DirecTV is raising satellite and streaming TV prices during a Disney Blackout
DirecTV subscribers just lost ESPN, ABC and other Disney channels due to a still-unresolved contract battle — and now the pay-TV provider is informing customers that prices will be increased next month.
The higher prices for DirecTV’s satellite TV and streaming television services will take effect on or after Oct. 6, 2024, the company said in notices it began sending to subscribers earlier this week. Customers will see the new prices in their next billing cycle, DirecTV said.
“We adjust the price of your television package to remain competitive in the marketplace while still delivering the best possible programming,” the company said in the customer message. “TV networks continue to increase the fees they charge DirecTV for the right to distribute the content they produce, including movies, shows and sporting events. We remain steadfast in our commitment to bringing you the best programming at a fair and reasonable price.”
Starting October 6, the price of DirecTV Stream Choice will increase by $6 to $114.99/month, and DirecTV Stream Ultimate will increase by $10 to $129.99/month. DirecTV’s satellite TV packages will also see price increases of between $2 and $10 per month depending on the tier, also effective October 6. In addition, regional sports rates will increase by up to $2 per month for some satellite customers, depending on zip code. but some subscribers won’t see any change, according to DirecTV.
DirecTV’s price changes have likely been in the works for a while, but the announcement to customers is particularly ill-timed. The company failed to reach an agreement with Disney before the expiration of their previous distribution agreement on September 1, resulting in ESPN, ABC, SEC Network, Disney Channel, NatGeo, Freeform and the rest of Disney’s networks being dropped from the DirecTV line-up were achieved.
DirecTV has offered customers a one-time $20 credit to account for the missing Disney networks. In an additional effort to combat subscriber cancellations during the blackout, DirecTV is offering a $30 credit to customers who sign up for Dish Network’s Sling Orange package or Fubo’s streaming services. (The company noted that subscribers who previously claimed a $20 credit will be eligible for an additional $10 credit if they opt for the Sling and Fubo offer.)
DirecTV is majority owned by AT&T, with a minority stake owned by TPG. The service had 11.3 million subscribers (including AT&T U-verse TV) at the end of 2023, according to Leichtman Research Group estimates. That’s down from a peak of 25.5 million at the end of 2016.
