Sling is doubling down on its new Day Pass, even though the launch of the short-term plan caused a dispute with Disney that’s since resulted in the filing of a lawsuit.
Sling first announced its ‘pass’ options in early August. The launch of the new Day Pass, Week Pass and Weekend Pass was unexpected, and quite dramatic, as it allowed consumers to sign up for a live TV package for as little as one day.
Soon after the launch of the short-term packages, Disney filed a lawsuit against Sling, arguing it had not been consulted prior to the launch of the new passes. Disney also alleged the new options violated the terms of its existing license agreement with Sling.
Ahead of the start of football season, EchoStar and Sling today issued a press release to bring further attention to its new Day Pass, explaining the one-day package unlocks access to 24 hours of football for just $4.99, and with no strings attached.
More notable in terms of the dispute with Disney, Sling explained how its Day Pass is “the deal ESPN and Disney don’t want you to know about.”
According to Sling, ESPN and Disney want you to pay more to access the same content and “Sling isn’t playing that game.” Instead, Sling argues its new short-term options are good for consumers and “puts consumer value ahead of monopolistic control.”
“This is the deal ESPN and Disney don’t want you to know about,” said Seth Van Sickel, Senior Vice President, Product and Operations, Sling TV. “They’re charging $30 a month for games people used to get without paying more. Sling isn’t playing that game. We’re giving subscribers what they actually want: access to TV, for the entire day, five bucks and zero strings.”
While the press release doesn’t specifically mention the dispute with Disney, it is far from a coincidence that Disney is directly mentioned, as well as the $30 a month cost.
Last month Disney launched its new ESPN Unlimited subscription. Priced at $29.99 a month, ESPN Unlimited provides access to everything ESPN, including ESPN Select (formerly ESPN+).
Or, as Sling put it, “games people used to get without paying more.”
Based on the announcement, it seems like Sling has no intention of removing its new short-terms plans. In fact, EchoStar and Sling argue that the new options are proving popular with consumers, who are now actively looking for more solutions that offer greater value and flexibility.
“EchoStar has a long track record of fighting for its customers,” said Van Sickel. “We introduced ad-skipping technology with DISH TV, we were there first to offer live streaming TV with Sling, we led the charge to bring local channels to satellite TV, and we have always negotiated with programmers to keep consumer costs as low as possible. Our Day, Weekend and Week Pass subscriptions are just another way we’re fighting to bring customers the programming they want with the flexibility they deserve.”
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