Walt Disney Co. (DIS) and DirecTV have reached a deal to end a protracted battle between the two companies that had led to a blackout of the ESPN sports network and NFL football games.
For the past two weeks, all Disney owned television networks, including ESPN and ABC, have been blocked from DirectTV amidst a dispute over a new carriage agreement between the two companies.
DirecTV balked at Disney’s higher carriage fees, and the Walt Disney Co. responded by pulling its programming.
However, the two companies said that they have now reached a deal and that Disney’s full suite of television channels and streaming platforms have now been restored to DirecTV customers.
The two sides added that they are in the final stages of reaching a multi-year contract.
DirecTV has reportedly agreed to pay Disney’s increased fees for carrying its channels and sports programming.
In return, DirecTV can once again offer packages that include the Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ streaming services.
Disney’s stock is flat on the year (up 0.18%) and trading at $90.55 U.S. per share.
DirecTV is majority-owned by telecommunications company AT&T (T), whose stock is up 25% year to date and trading at $21.64 U.S. a share.
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