DirecTV Disney Blackout: Networks Restored with Deal Reached
DirecTV subscribers who missed Disney-owned channels including ESPN and ABC could apply for at least $20 worth of credit, but now, channels are restored.
DirecTV and Disney had a face-off this month, and while it's now resolved, it wasn't without its impacts. In one corner, DirecTV, the U.S.’s third-largest pay TV provider, and in the other corner, the ultimate media giant, locked in a dispute over the terms of a new distribution deal for Disney-owned content.
The companies failed to resolve their differences before DirecTV’s rights to carry ESPN, ABC and other Disney-owned programming expired, which meant some channels went dark at the start of September — part-way through the US Open tennis tournament and just as NFL and college football seasons were getting underway.
The content blackout affected around 11 million customers for nearly two weeks. This past weekend, the companies announced they'd reached a preliminary agreement, and Disney networks were restored for DirecTV customers.
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Become a smarter, better informed investor. Subscribe from just $107.88 $24.99, plus get up to 4 Special Issues
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
During the blackout, DirecTV offered impacted customers a $20 credit they had to go claim. Now that the blackout is over, however, the credit is no longer on offer.
How to get a DirecTV blackout credit
Any time you are missing channels you should have on DirecTV, like with this blackout, you can head to the company's TV Promise page to see if you're eligible for a credit.
On that page, you select your TV service from the drop-down menu and enter your zip code. Next, select the "Search" button to check for service disruption in your area and see if you're eligible for a one-time credit offer. Third, if you do qualify, go to the "Explore bill credits" section of the TV Promise page and select the appropriate button to initiate a $20 credit.
Now that the Disney blackout is over, if you search your information, you'll likely see there are no available credits, since the channels have been restored.
But if you already applied for the credit and are wondering where it is, DirecTV advised: “Blackout credits can take up to two billing cycles until they appear on your DIRECTV bill. If you currently have a pending blackout credit on your bill, you’ll need to wait for the next bill cycle to request a new blackout credit.”
Will a blackout happen again?
As well as all ESPN network channels and ABC-owned stations, Disney-branded channels Freeform, FX and National Geographic channel went dark on DirecTV for almost two weeks. Last year, a similar disagreement between Disney and Charter Communications, which owns the Spectrum TV service, lasted 12 days.
The new deal between DirecTV and Disney, according to Variety, is preliminary, but the channels are restored "while both parties work to finalize a new, multiyear contract." The hope is that if this is a multiyear contract, customers won't face a similar situation at least for a few years.
Meanwhile, DirecTV customers will have to pay more for the service soon. The company announced new prices will be taking effect October 6.
Related Content
-
How to Avoid the Financial Quicksand of Early Retirement LossesSequence of returns — experiencing losses early on — can quickly deplete your savings, highlighting the need for strategies that prioritize income stability.
-
How an Elder Law Attorney Can Help Protect Your Aging ParentsIf you are worried about older family members or friends whose financial judgment is raising red flags, help is out there — from an elder law attorney.
-
Q4 Post-Mortem From an Investment Adviser: Year of ResilienceFinancial pro Prem Patel shares his take on how markets performed in the fourth quarter of 2025, with an eye toward what investors should keep in mind for 2026.
-
Is Your Emergency Fund Running Low? Here's How to Bulk It Back UpIf you're struggling right now, you're not alone. Here's how you can identify financial issues, implement a budget and prioritize rebuilding your emergency fund.
-
My First $1 Million: Semiretired CPA, 68, San FranciscoEver wonder how someone who's made a million dollars or more did it? Kiplinger's My First $1 Million series uncovers the answers.
-
I'm a Wealth Adviser: These Are the 7 Risks Your Retirement Plan Should AddressYour retirement needs to be able to withstand several major threats, including inflation, longevity, long-term care costs, market swings and more.
-
Tip: Ways to Track Your Credit Card RewardsHere are the best strategies and apps to help you stay current with your credit card rewards.
-
Do You Have an Insurance Coverage Gap for Your Valuables? You May Be Surprised to Learn You DoStandard homeowners insurance usually has strict limits on high-value items, so you should formally "schedule" these valuable possessions with your insurer.
-
How We Manage Our Finances Together as a Married CoupleDouglas Boneparth, a certified financial planner, and his wife, Heather Boneparth, speak with Kiplinger about couples managing finances.
-
How AI Is Changing the Way Americans Spend on Live EventsAI bots are reshaping ticket prices, resale markets and how fans shop. Here's what it means for your wallet and how to get the best deals on concerts, sports and shows.
-
What Bilt Cardholders Need to Know as Wells Fargo Exits the ProgramA major shake-up in the Bilt Rewards program could affect your credit card, rent rewards and points strategy heading into 2026.
