What is the main legal dispute between Dish Network and Disney?

The core dispute concerns Dish's Sling Passes, which offer temporary access to networks like ESPN, with Disney alleging contract violations and Sling countersuing for antitrust abuses.

Why did Disney sue Dish Network over Sling Passes?

Disney sued Dish, claiming that its Sling Passes violated their agreement by not being monthly subscriptions and by offering prices that allegedly breached contractual terms.

What antitrust claims does Sling make against Disney?

Sling alleges Disney abused its market power by giving competitors better terms, violating contracts, and conditioning access to ESPN on purchasing other channels.

Home / Business and Economy / Disney & Dish Clash Over Sling Passes Legal Battle

Disney & Dish Clash Over Sling Passes Legal Battle

5 Jan

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Summary

Dish filed a counterclaim against Disney over Sling TV passes.
Sling claims Disney violated antitrust laws and contracts.
Disney sued Dish over Sling Passes, alleging contract violations.

Disney & Dish Clash Over Sling Passes Legal Battle

Dish Network has intensified its legal conflict with Disney by filing a significant counterclaim. This action stems from disputes over Sling Passes, which provide temporary access to live and on-demand content, including ESPN. Dish alleges that Disney has abused its dominant market position and breached contract terms.

The ongoing legal battle involves Sling's innovative one-time passes, launched in August. Disney initially sued in November, seeking an injunction, but this was rejected by a judge who found Disney had not sufficiently proven harm to its ESPN streaming app. Sling argues its passes adhere to license agreements.

Dish's countersuit accuses Disney of anti-competitive practices, including violating antitrust laws like the Sherman Act by allegedly bundling ESPN with less desirable channels. Dish also cites Disney's recent acquisition of Fubo and its ESPN/Fox One bundle as further evidence of monopolistic behavior aimed at artificially inflating prices for sports packages.