How to Watch ESPN amid Disney-DirecTV Blackout

ESPN streaming woes

Sports fans and ESPN viewers are facing yet another blackout due to a contract dispute between Disney and DirecTV. The blackout began on December 23, 2022, and affects all ESPN channels, including ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, and ESPN+. This is not the first time that Disney and DirecTV have been in a dispute over carriage fees. In 2019, the two companies were involved in a similar dispute that resulted in a 12-day blackout.

No easy resolution in sight

Unfortunately, there is no easy resolution in sight to the current blackout. Both sides are dug in on their positions, and there has been little progress in negotiations. Disney is demanding a higher carriage fee from DirecTV, while DirecTV is unwilling to pay the increase. As a result, the blackout is likely to continue for some time.

How to watch ESPN during the blackout

If you are a DirecTV customer and you are looking for ways to watch ESPN during the blackout, there are a few options available to you.

• Use a streaming service. There are a number of streaming services that offer ESPN, including Sling TV, Hulu + Live TV, and YouTube TV. These services typically cost between $30 and $50 per month, and they all offer a free trial period.
• Use an antenna. If you live in an area with good reception, you can use an antenna to watch ESPN over the air. Antennas are relatively inexpensive, and they do not require a monthly subscription fee.
• Go to a sports bar. Many sports bars offer ESPN on their TVs. This is a great option if you want to watch the game with friends or family.

What to expect from the blackout

The ESPN blackout is likely to have a significant impact on viewership of the network's programming. Many people who are unable to watch ESPN on DirecTV will likely turn to other channels or streaming services. This could lead to a decline in ESPN's ratings, which could hurt the network's advertising revenue.

The blackout is also likely to have a negative impact on DirecTV's customer satisfaction ratings. Many customers are frustrated by the fact that they are unable to watch ESPN on their DirecTV subscription. This could lead to some customers canceling their DirecTV subscriptions, which could hurt the company's revenue.

Conclusion

The ESPN blackout is a major inconvenience for sports fans and DirecTV customers. There are a few options available to watch ESPN during the blackout, but none of them are ideal. The best way to watch ESPN during the blackout is to use a streaming service. Streaming services offer a wide variety of channels, including ESPN, and they are relatively inexpensive. Hopefully, Disney and DirecTV will be able to reach an agreement soon so that ESPN can be restored to DirecTV customers.