- Content: 
By India McCarty
Dish accused Disney and ESPN of violating antitrust laws amid the companies’ ongoing legal disputes.
“Dish filed federal antitrust and breach of contract counterclaims against the Walt Disney Co. and ESPN on Friday, Jan. 2, in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York,” Variety reported, adding that this suit is a response to Disney’s lawsuit against the company for their Sling TV Sling Passes.
A spokesperson for Disney told Deadline, “Sling TV’s new offerings, which they made available without our knowledge or consent, violate the terms of our existing license agreement. We have asked the court to require Dish to comply with our deal when it distributes our programming.”
In a statement replying to Disney’s claims, a spokesperson for Sling said Disney’s suit is “meritless,” adding, “We are aware of what has been filed and believe Disney’s lawsuit is meritless. We will vigorously defend our right to bring customers a viewing experience that fits their lives, on their schedule and on their terms. We are excited about our new pass subscriptions and the overwhelmingly positive response we’ve received from fans looking for simple, affordable ways to enjoy the content they love.”
Related: Disney Sues Sling TV Over Short-Term Subscription Plans
Now, in their own lawsuit, Dish claims they “had no contractual obligation to consult” Disney or ESPN before launching the Sling Passes, and are firing back at the companies, saying Disney is using their power to “destroy competition.”
Dish Countersues Disney and ESPN Over Sling TV Short-Term Subscription Passes, Alleging Antitrust Violations and Breach of Contract https://t.co/qr2Grvh0H7
— Variety (@Variety) January 5, 2026
Their suit also claims Disney gave competitors favorable terms that they refused to extend to Dish and Sling, a violation of the “most favored nation” clause in their carriage agreement the legally requires Disney to do so.
Additionally, Dish alleges Disney’s acquisition of Fubo and the introduction of the ESPN-Fox One bundle violates antitrust laws by “eliminating competition.” The company has also claimed Disney violated the Sherman Act by “conditioning access to ‘must-have’ sports programming — i.e., ESPN networks — on the purchase of certain low-value channels,” per Variety.
Their countersuit is seeking “unspecific monetary damages; a judgment that Disney and ESPN’s actions violate U.S. antitrust laws; and an injunction to force the ‘unwinding’ of Disney’s acquisition of Fubo and the ESPN-Fox One bundle,” per Variety.
A Disney spokesperson responded, “Dish’s counterclaims have no merit and are nothing more than a tactic to distract from their own misconduct, and we look forward to vindicating our position in court.”
Only time will tell who wins this TV battle.
Read Next: Lawmakers Raise ‘Antitrust Concerns’ Over Potential Netflix, WBD Merger
Questions or comments? Please write to us here.
– Content: +3