Disney and DIRECTV Settle Dispute Right Before Brawl

Mountaineer fans that subscribe to DIRECTV no longer have to worry about missing today’s game.

On Saturday, just ahead of the 107th Backyard Brawl, DIRECTV agreed to a deal with Disney, ensuring that its customers will once again have access to the ABC and ESPN networks, among other channels.

DIRECTV customers went almost two weeks with a channel blackout, unable to access ESPN, ABC, FX, Disney Channel, and more.

“Through this first-of-its-kind collaboration, DIRECTV and Disney are giving customers the ability to tailor their video experience through more flexible options,” the companies said in a release. “DIRECTV and Disney have a long-standing history of connecting consumers to the best entertainment, and this agreement furthers that commitment by recognizing both the tremendous value of Disney’s content and the evolving preferences of DIRECTV’s customers. We’d like to thank all affected viewers for their patience and are pleased to restore Disney’s entire portfolio of networks in time for college football and the Emmy Awards this weekend.”

.@DIRECTV & @WaltDisneyCo have reached an agreement in principle for distribution of Disney’s linear networks & direct-to-consumer services

All channels have been immediately restored to DIRECTV satellite, streaming, & U-Verse customers

More: https://t.co/2x14omnpx4 pic.twitter.com/5ZlQIKQ6t5

— ESPN PR (@ESPNPR) September 14, 2024

See the details of the agreement below, via ESPN/DIRECTV press release.

WVU is back on ESPN after appearing on ESPN+ last week and on Fox in week 1, with ESPN deciding to flex Tulane-Oklahoma to ESPN and Pitt-West Virginia to ESPN2. Mike Monaco will handle play-by-play duties, Kirk Morrison will serve as his analyst and Dawn Davenport will report from the sideline. Stay tuned on WV Sports Now for the 107th edition of the Backyard Brawl.