Disney sues Sling TV over new short-term TV passes

The Walt Disney Co. is suing Dish Network's digital subsidiary Sling TV, alleging that the pay-TV service included its networks without permission in a new suite of short-term packages.

Earlier this month, Sling unveiled "passes" offering access to its full bundle for a day, weekend or full week. The mini-bundles start at $4.99, a fraction of the usual minimum of $45.99 a month for a regular Sling subscription. They were rolled out at the start of college football and the NFL season as many consumers are taking stock of viewing options.

"Sling TV's new offerings, which they made available without our knowledge or consent, violate the terms of our existing license agreement," a Disney spokesperson said in a statement provided to Deadline. "We have asked the court to require Dish to comply with our deal when it distributes our programming."

In the suit, which was filed Tuesday evening in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, Disney alleges that Sling never once consulted the media giant about the move. The incremental packages have the potential to alter the TV landscape by giving consumers and easy on- and off-ramp to access programming. Beyond sports, it also could have implications for award shows like the Oscars or other entertainment or news programming.

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