ESPN, Verizon settle lawsuit over skinny TV bundle

ESPN, Verizon settle lawsuit over skinny TV bundle

   Michelle Clancy
   | 11 May 2016





ESPN and Verizon Communications have reached a settlement in their lawsuit filed in the Supreme Court of the State of New York in April 2015.

ESPN VerizonThe sports giant ESPN filed a lawsuit against Verizon over the pay-TV provider's Custom TV skinny TV offering, alleging that the launch is a breach of contract.

“ESPN is at the forefront of embracing innovative ways to deliver high quality content and value to consumers on multiple platforms, but that must be done in compliance with our agreements,” the programmer said in a statement at the time. “We simply ask that Verizon abide by the terms of our contracts.”

The suit brings a simmering disagreement to a legal head. Custom TV allows consumers to take a core package of 35 basic cable and broadcast channels for $54.99, then choose between two of seven add-on packages of themed networks, including two sports packages, kids, lifestyle, etc. Critically, the scheme breaks up Disney's ABC and ESPN channels in the bundle.

The two have now moved pass the impasse, more than a year later. But, the terms of the settlement remain confidential and will not be disclosed, the companies said.

“We have a long-standing relationship with Verizon,” said Sean Breen, senior vice president, affiliate sales, Disney and ESPN Media Networks. “We look forward to working with them to provide great content to consumers for years to come.”

“ESPN is an important partner of ours,” said Terry Denson, vice president, content strategy and acquisition, Verizon. “We look forward to further collaborating with them to deliver customers content across all of our platforms.”