ESPN and DirecTV dispute updates: Latest news and other options to watch NFL, college football & more without cable

The busiest time on the sports calendar is quickly approaching, with NFL and college football games about to be fully underway, leaving many fans glued to their televisions to consume all the action.

For DirecTV customers, an ongoing dispute between the TV provider and ESPN is hindering their experience.

DirecTV users currently are unable to watch any of the ESPN channels due to an ongoing contract dispute between AT&T, the parent company of DirecTV, and Disney, the parent company of ESPN.

Here are the latest updates on the ESPN and DirecTV dispute and how to watch ESPN without cable.

MORE: Watch ESPN live with Fubo (free trial)

ESPN and DirecTV dispute updates

Wednesday, Sept. 4

Three days after Disney shut off access to ESPN channels for DirecTV users, Disney released another statement, slamming DirecTV for "misrepresenting facts."

"DirecTV continues to misrepresent the facts around our ongoing negotiations," the statement read . "Our priority is to reach a marketplace deal that serves the needs of DirecTV and their customers while also recognizing the value of our top-quality content and the significant investment required to create and acquire it. We believe there is a path to a fair and flexible agreement that strikes this critical balance and works for all sides, especially the consumer."

A Disney spokesperson also outlined specific rebuttals to the points that DirecTV made against them. They are as follows:

Content Investment and Value of Portfolio

"The value of Disney’s portfolio is indisputable as more than 90% of DirecTV households watched its linear programming every month last year – the highest performing on their platform (according to Nielsen).

"Disney continues to meaningfully invest in its linear channels and almost all linear content is exclusive to or premieres on Disney’s networks including live sports and events."

Flexible Packaging and Participation in Future DTC Offerings

"As part of the negotiations, Disney has proposed a variety of packages that align to DirecTV’s cited needs, give their customers more choice and control, and provide DirecTV with the ability to participate in future opportunities to distribute Disney’s content. For example:

• Sports centric option featuring the ESPN Networks and ABC
• Entertainment based option featuring the Disney Entertainment networks
• Linear offerings paired with Disney’s direct-to-consumer subscription services"

Fair, Marketplace-based Rates

"Disney is asking for rates that are in line with other distribution providers in the marketplace and that reflect the value of Disney’s content."

Seamless Linear and DTC Experience

"Disney has provided DirecTV with multiple options to connect their platforms to our direct-to-consumer streaming services."

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Sunday, Sept. 1

On Sunday, Sept. 1, DirecTV customers suddenly were unable to watch any of the programming on any of the ESPN channels, including ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU and more.

Disney executives Dana Walden, Alan Bergman and Jimmy Pitaro released a joint statement on the matter that the company and DirecTV were unable to agree to a new contract that would have prohibited the channels from going dark.

"DirecTV chose to deny millions of subscribers access to our content just as we head into the final week of the US Open and gear up for college football and the opening of the NFL season," the statement read . "While we’re open to offering DirecTV flexibility and terms which we’ve extended to other distributors, we will not enter into an agreement that undervalues our portfolio of television channels and programs.

"We invest significantly to deliver the No. 1 brands in entertainment, news and sports because that’s what our viewers expect and deserve. We urge DirecTV to do what’s in the best interest of their customers and finalize a deal that would immediately restore our programming."

DirecTV chief content officer Rob Thun responded to Disney's claim by stating that the company demanded that DirecTV waive all future legal claims that its behavior is anti-competitive.

"The Walt Disney Co. is once again refusing any accountability to consumers, distribution partners, and now the American judicial system," Thun said . "Disney is in the business of creating alternate realities, but this is the real world where we believe you earn your way and must answer for your own actions. They want to continue to chase maximum profits and dominant control at the expense of consumers – making it harder for them to select the shows and sports they want at a reasonable price."

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How to watch ESPN without DirecTV

While ESPN and DirecTV continue their standoff, there are other ways for DirecTV customers to watch the network.

Fubo carries the entire ESPN family of networks, so you'll be covered for all of the NFL's 2024 contests with that service. It offers a free trial for users in the United States.

Hulu + Live TV is another available streaming platform. It is the only one that includes Hulu, Disney+ and ESPN.

In addition, other streaming options that carry ESPN are Sling TV and YouTube TV.

Will DirecTV get ESPN back?

It is currently unclear if DirecTV will get ESPN back on its platform.

AT&T has not yet threatened to walk away from negotiations with ESPN, meaning there is still hope.

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When will ESPN be back on DirecTV?

It is unclear when ESPN will be back on DirecTV.

Considering both sides seem content with the current stalemate, there is no clear timeline for a return.

However, if a deal is made, then ESPN could be back up and available on DirecTV immediately.