Disney initiated a lawsuit against Sling TV due to disputes regarding one-day cable access offers

In a significant development in the ongoing competition between traditional media giants and streaming services, Sling TV has found itself embroiled in a legal battle with Disney. The details of the lawsuit, filed under seal, have not been made public, but the dispute concerns Sling TV's new approach to short-term streaming passes.

Sling TV, known for its commitment to offering customers a flexible viewing experience, is pushing back hard against Disney's claims. In a statement, Sling TV spokesperson Ted Wietecha dismissed Disney's claims as "meritless." The company insists on bringing customers a viewing experience that fits their lives, on their schedule and on their terms.

Recently, Sling TV rolled out a new set of passes that allow viewers to buy access to cable networks for short periods, such as a day, a weekend, or a week. The lineup of networks included in these passes includes ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, and the Disney Channel. Prices for these short-term passes start as low as $5.

Disney, however, claims that Sling TV bundled its owned networks into these short-term packages without approval. In a statement to Deadline, a Disney spokesperson said that Sling TV's new offerings, which they made available without Disney's knowledge or consent, violate the terms of their existing license agreement. Disney has demanded that Sling pull its channels from the new passes.

The lawsuit may potentially affect the way Sling TV offers Disney-owned channels in the future. Under their licensing agreement, Disney states that Sling and Dish are only supposed to offer its channels through monthly subscriptions. Sling TV, on the other hand, argues for the right to offer customers a more flexible viewing experience.

The ongoing battle between Sling TV and Disney highlights the ongoing tug-of-war between traditional media giants and streaming services over the extent of freedom customers have when it comes to watching live TV. As the landscape of television continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how this legal battle unfolds.