MLB
Will Monday Night Football on ESPN be available for DirecTV users for week 2?
After the two-week blackout, the sports network and other channels returned to the multichannel video programming distributor with a new Disney deal.
On September 1, all Disney-owned networks, including popular channels like ESPN and ABC, abruptly went off the air due to a contract dispute. During the Labor Day weekend, DirecTV’s 11 million subscribers abruptly lost access to ESPN, the ABC-owned stations, and other Disney-owned channels such as FX and National Geographic in a dispute over carriage fees and programming flexibility.
Such public battles during negotiations between networks and providers are not uncommon, but this particular disagreement lasted longer than expected, much to the frustration of football fans. The disruption affected Week 2 of the college football season and also impacted DirecTV users, who missed out on the “Monday Night Football” opener.
When the channels went dark at the beginning of September, Disney accused DirecTV of undervaluing their channels and programs. DirecTV retaliated, claiming Disney prioritized profits over consumers. Disney responded, emphasizing its importance to DirecTV and offering fair rates and new distribution packages.
How did DirecTV settle with Disney finally?
Yesterday, DIRECTV and The Walt Disney Company announced a principle agreement to provide customers more choice, value, and flexibility. Disney’s full suite of networks has been restored, and both parties are working on a new, multi-year contract.
Key points of the agreement include continued carriage of Disney’s entertainment, sports, and news programming, offering genre-specific options, and including Disney’s streaming services in select DIRECTV packages. Additionally, DIRECTV customers will have access to Disney’s upcoming ESPN flagship service at no additional cost.
Will Monday Night Football be on DirecTV for week 2?
Monday Night Football of the 2024 NFL season, with Joe Buck and Troy Aikman back in the commentary booth, will definitely return to DirecTV users’ screens after the new agreement is signed.
NFL fans will be able to enjoy The Philadelphia Eagles (1-0), favored by six points, versus the Atlanta Falcons (0-1) on September 16, 2024, starting at 8:15 p.m. ET, airing on ESPN.
ESPN also produces Monday Night Football with Peyton and Eli (a.k.a. the ManningCast). Hosted by the Manning brothers, the alternate broadcast airs on ESPN2 (and occasionally ESPN+) during select MNF matchups. The ManningCast will also be a subscription service available to DirecTV users.