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 about the broadcast of matches getting affected including those of rising stars like Emma Navarro and Taylor Fritz. A breakdown of the contract between Walt Disney Company, DirecTV, and ESPN has made it difficult for the fans to watch 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 includes 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 Disney, what unfolded was the blackout of ESPN channels on DirecTV on Sunday, thereby obstructing the fans from watching the US Open matches, especially when the tournament is in the second week. This seems to have agitated the fans with several taking to the social networking site X, to express their resentment and demand a quick resolution

‘Absolute Disgrace’ – DirecTV finds itself at the center 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 distributors…we will not enter into an agreement that undervalues our portfolio of television channels and programs.”

Moreover, in an attempt to resolve the matter, 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 was 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 air at 7.20 PM ET, which is also a prime time for many sports games.

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 overcome the challenges soon and provide a pleasant experience to the audience.