By Kayla DeKraker
Disney filed a federal lawsuit against the Dish Network over Sling TV’s short-term passes.
The short-term passes were introduced last month and include day, weekend and week access to the streamer and its channels.
For example, for $4.99, the day pass gives subscribers 24-hour access to Sling Orange, which features over 30 network including Disney-owned channels like ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3 and Disney Channel. They offer people the flexibility of catching a football game without committing to a long-term subscription.
“This launch is about putting control back in the hands of the fans, whether it’s tuning in for college football, professional sports, award shows, or a spontaneous movie night, all without having to sign a long-term, binding contract,” said Seth Van Sickel, Senior Vice President, Product and Operations, Sling TV, last month. “With college football just around the corner, our new Day Pass offering is all consumers need to win on game day, for just $4.99.”
Disney, however, says anything shorter than a month term goes against their existing licensing agreement.
Related: Will Venu Sports Ever Launch? Here’s Where the Legal Battle Is At
“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,” a Disney representative said of the lawsuit.
Sling, however, believes that the new package does not violate any terms.
In a statement to Variety, a representative said, “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.”
Sling TV also expressed confidence and pride in the packages: “We’re proud to have launched our newest Sling Orange subscription offerings, Day Pass, Weekend Pass and Week Pass, designed to redefine streaming and give viewers more flexibility, more choice and more control over how they watch live TV.”
Sling advertised the passes on Instagram, but people had mixed feelings.
“Yes, pass. Pass on their predatory billing practices. Steer clear of them if you can,” one person said. Another user added, “This is a lie! They took my day pass money and when I went to the game I wanted, it sends me a link to pay extra for a subscription.”
This isn’t the first time this year Disney has been in a battle over streaming rights. Earlier this year, Disney canceled its plans to launch Venu Sports after legal battles with Fubo.
Sling’s short-term passes seem promising, but time will tell if they can beat back Disney.
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