As part of its high-profile, contested TV network carriage negotiation with DirecTV, Disney has proposed “flexible packaging and participation in future DTC [direct-to-consumer] offerings”, according to a company spokesperson.

This would be somewhat similar to a deal struck with Charter Communications' Spectrum service a year ago allowing the pay TV company to sell streaming platforms Disney+ and ESPN+ alongside its traditional live linear TV networks.

Disney cited a number of possible options in its negotiations with DirecTV, the large 11 million satellite and virtual pay TV service. This includes offering a “sports-centric” linear TV option featuring ESPN Networks and ABC, as well as an “entertainment-based” package featuring Disney Entertainment network. 

Finally a carriage deal with DirecTV could include linear TV “paired with Disney direct-to-consumer subscription services.”

A statement from Dana Walden and Alan Bergman, co-chairmen, Disney Entertainment, and Jimmy Pitaro, chairman, ESPN, also said: “DirecTV continues to misrepresent the facts around our ongoing negotiations. Our priority is to reach a marketplace deal that serves the needs of DirecTV and their customers while also recognizing the value of our top-quality content and the significant investment required to create and acquire it.”

DirecTV representatives did not respond to Television News Daily inquiries by press time.

A blackout of all Disney TV networks -- including ABC Television Network, ESPN, FX and other networks -- started up over the Labor Day weekend, stemming from failed talks over a renewal of the companies’ carriage contract.