ESPN networks, ABC, and Disney channels blackout on DirecTV during a night full of sports events.

ESPN has been taken off the air by DirecTV for the second year in a row, angering sports fans during the U.S. Open tennis tournament and college football weekend. The USTA expressed disappointment over the dispute, which occurred just before a major match between Frances Tiafoe and Alexei Popyrin at the U.S. Open. ABC-owned stations in several major cities were also affected by the blackout. DirecTV accused Disney of refusing to be held accountable and prioritizing profit over consumer interests. Disney, on the other hand, maintained that they would not undervalue their television channels and programs. The standoff highlights the ongoing conflicts between networks and distributors over content and pricing. DirecTV pointed to Disney’s direct-to-consumer platforms and the fragmentation of premium programming as sources of consumer frustration. The blackout also impacted other Disney-owned channels like Freeform, FX, and National Geographic. Both sides urged the other to reach a resolution, but the impasse continues as viewers are left without access to popular sports events and entertainment programs.

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