The US Open has always been a hotbed of intense action, but this year, it seems like the drama isn’t just confined to the courts. From players smashing their rackets in frustration to commentators stirring the pot with their offbeat remarks, the final Grand Slam of the year has had its fair share of controversy. But just when the fans thought they had seen it all, another storm is brewing—and this time, it’s the broadcasters who are in the spotlight.
The latest uproar is affecting matches, including those of rising stars like Emma Navarro and established names like Taylor Fritz. A breakdown of the contract between Walt Disney Company, DirecTV, and ESPN has prohibited fans from watching the matches peacefully. The dispute revolves around the fees that DirecTV pays Disney to broadcast its programming.
In a statement, the broadcaster claimed that Disney is taking an anti-consumer approach by demanding that a new deal include bundled services. DirecTV claimed that it has been demanding a mechanism where consumers can pick smaller bundles of networks when subscribing, thereby lowering their costs. While the claim has been rejected by the opposite party, what has unfolded is the blackout of ESPN channels on DirecTV that took place on Sunday, thereby prohibiting the fans from watching the US Open matches, especially when the tournament is in the second week.
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This seems to have agitated the fans with several taking on the microblogging platform X, to express their resentment and demand a quick resolution
Polls of the day Poll 1 of 5 Who do you blame for the ESPN dispute affecting US Open coverage? ESPN US Open organizers Tennis players Fans Who do you think will dominate the US Open clash? Sabalenka Zheng Too close to call Neither Whats your Perspective on: ESPN’s dispute is robbing us of Taylor Fritz’s brilliance—how much longer can fans tolerate this? Have an interesting take? Join The Debate Who do you think will dominate the upcoming clash at the US Open? Aryna Sabalenka Qinwen Zheng It’s too close to call Neither, it will be a draw Who brought more excitement to the US Open with their presence? Roger Federer Serena Williams Both equally Neither
‘Absolute Disgrace’ – DirecTV finds itself amidst the centre of backlashes
Taking to X, one user wrote, “This is an absolute DISGRACE! The only option to view the #US Open during a major event of the tennis season is to switch to another service that provides ESPN viewership.” DirecTV, which is a satellite TV, internet, and streaming services provider is subscribed by over 11.3 million customers, according to Leichtman Research Group. This makes it the third-largest pay-TV provider in the United States. The recent dispute has therefore impacted all these consumers which also include avid tennis watchers. Several others took to X to vent similar frustration.
Responding to a post by DirecTV on X, another user wrote, “I’m so tilted about this espn DIRECTV shit. Missing the best parts of the US OPEN.” Soon after Disney channels were blacked out on DirecTV, Disney and ESPN released a joint statement. “While we’re open to offering DirecTV flexibility and terms which we’ve extended to other distrbutors…we will not enter into an agreement that undervalues our portfolio of television channels and programs.”
Moreover, in an attempt to solve the situation, the US Open organizers recommended alternatives such as Hulu, Sling, YouTube TV, and Fubo TV to stream the US Open. But this could not reduce the chaos.
One more user joined the fray and wrote, “I have DirecTV so I won’t see any of it. Always a contract dispute with someone. No ESPN during college football, US Open, or NFL. Ugh!” The timing at which the services are pulled off is indeed frustrating. With the new college football season starting its first full weekend, and ESPN airing the U.S. Open tennis tournament, the fans desired to experience some athletic weekend. But the services went off the air at 7.20 PM, which is also a prime time for many sports games.
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Yet another user responded to the controversy and wrote, “Was about to watch some US OPEN but then direct tv cuts off ESPN due to contract issues! I have zero espn channels. Guess I’m gonna have to find a local hangout with the best channels for my sports fix🤪” The major problem that lies ahead is the uncertainty. While DirecTV has promised its consumers to sort the issue soon, such disputes have historically stretched from days to weeks. One such instance was during the dispute between Fox Corp. and Dish Network that extended from September 26, 2019, till October 6 of the same year.
Another user wrote in frustration, “I really need DIRECTV to hurry up and get ESPN back. I’m missing the US Open. 😩.” As the US Open progresses, it would be interesting to see if the broadcasters can overcome the challenges and tussles soon and provide a pleasant experience to the audience.