Disney has launched a lawsuit against Dish Network, claiming that the satellite and streaming provider’s internet TV service, Sling TV, is violating distribution agreements with the media giant. This news comes as big news in the streaming industry, as several lawsuits of this nature have made headlines over the past several years.
A New Disney Lawsuit Emerges
The lawsuit targets Sling TV’s new short-term “pass” packages, introduced just two weeks ago, which allow viewers to access live TV for as little as 24 hours or for only a single weekend or week. Disney and ESPN argue that these offerings breach the terms of their existing programming agreements.
“Sling TV’s new offerings, which they made available without our knowledge or consent, violate the terms of our existing license agreement,” a Disney representative said in a statement. “We have asked the court to require Dish to comply with our deal when it distributes our programming.”
Filed Tuesday in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, the suit seeks to force Dish to remove Disney-owned networks from the short-term packages until the dispute is resolved. The legal move emphasizes the ongoing tension between traditional content holders and streaming services offering more flexible, short-term viewing options.
What Does Sling TV Say?
Sling TV has called the lawsuit “meritless” and reaffirmed its commitment to defending the service. The company stated it will “vigorously defend our right” to provide flexible pay-TV packages, insisting that its offerings comply with existing agreements.
As the case unfolds, it could set a precedent for how traditional licensing deals accommodate ultra-short-term and a la carte streaming options. For now, Disney’s networks remain available on Sling TV’s standard subscription tiers, but access to the new short-term passes may face restrictions depending on the court’s decision.
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