When will DirecTV get ESPN back? Sports channels return to service in time for Saturday college football slate

After an extended contract dispute that left DirecTV customers unable to watch any Disney-owned channels, including the full collection of ESPN channels, DirecTV and Disney finally reached a deal.

ESPN confirmed via news release Saturday that its channels, along with all other Disney channels, would be returning to DirecTV customers.

As both the NFL and college football seasons kicked off in the last few weeks, the ESPN blackout on DirecTV left many fans unable to watch their favorite teams. But as we head into Week 3 of college football season and Week 2 of the NFL season, the deal brings relief to fans eager to watch a full slate of games.

The Sporting News has you covered on when ESPN channels will be back on DirecTV, how to watch them and the details of the new contract.

MORE: College football picks and predictions for Week 3

When will DirecTV get ESPN back?

DirecTV immediately restored all Disney channels, including ESPN channels, when the agreement was announced Saturday morning.

That means college football fans with DirecTV are able to watch ESPN's coverage of Saturday's action as games kick off around 12 p.m. ET. On "College GameDay," Pat McAfee confirmed the deal and welcomed DirecTV customers back to the program.

ESPN is broadcasting multiple early-slate college football games Saturday. Memphis vs. Florida State is on ESPN, No. 16 LSU vs. South Carolina is on ABC and No. 13 Oklahoma State vs. Tulsa is on ESPN2.

The deal also came in time for the provider's customers to watch this week's "Monday Night Football" broadcast between the Falcons and Eagles.

MORE: Timeline of DirecTV and Disney's dispute, blackout

What channel is ESPN on DirecTV?

Per DirecTV's website, sports fans can watch ESPN on Channel 206.

ESPN2 can be found on Channel 209, while ESPNEWS is on Channel 207 and ESPNU is on Channel 208.

DirecTV and ESPN contract

The agreement between DirecTV and Disney, which still must be finalized, is a "first-of-its-kind" collaboration, the ESPN press release said.

While the two sides will hammer out the details of the multi-year contract soon, the deal will include Disney channels, including ESPN and ABC, being accessible to DirecTV customers, as well as Disney's streaming services (Disney+, Hulu and ESPN+) to be included in select packages.

While the details of the deal are still being ironed out, DirecTV customers got a sigh of relief Saturday with the news that they can once again watch ESPN and other Disney-owned channels.