Tuesday, September 22, 2026
  • -
    days
  • -
    hours
  • -
    minutes
  • -
    seconds

Disney and Charter Reportedly End Cable TV Carriage Dispute

  • Deal restores ESPN and other channels to nearly 15 million customers across the country.
  • The resolution comes only hours before Aaron Rodgers’ highly anticipated regular-season debut on “Monday Night Football.”
ESPN microphone on press table
Troy Taormina-Imgan Images

The Walt Disney Co. and Charter Communications have reached a deal that will restore ESPN and other channels to nearly 15 million customers across the country, according to the Wall Street Journal.

The resolution of their $2.2 billion carriage dispute will end a blackout of Disney-owned channels on Charter’s Spectrum cable network that lasted a week. 

It comes only hours before ESPN shows Aaron Rodgers’ highly anticipated regular-season debut for the New York Jets against the Buffalo Bills on “Monday Night Football.”

ESPN camera operator at a basketball game.

What’s Behind Disney’s $2.2 Billion Carriage Dispute With Charter?

Charter victory could spell end of the disintegrating pay cable TV bundle.
September 5, 2023

Terms of the deal are said to include a discounted wholesale price for subscribers for Disney streaming services, and an increase in marketplace, or subscriber fees, paid to Disney, according to CNBC.

The peace treaty drove up the prices of Disney and Charter Monday morning on Wall Street, as well as other legacy media stocks such as Paramount Global and Warner Bros. Discovery.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign up for
The Memo Newsletter

Get the biggest stories and best analysis on the business of sports delivered to your inbox twice every weekday and twice on weekends.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Inglewood, CA - September 21, 2026 - SoFi Stadium: Stephen A. Smith on the field for Monday Night Countdown.
First at FOS

Stephen A. Smith Set for Multiple MNF ‘Countdown’ Appearances

Smith made his 2026 debut ahead of Rams-Giants on Monday.
First at FOS

NFL Has ‘Full Confidence’ Brazil Field Will Be Ready by Sunday

The Cowboys play the Ravens on Sunday in Rio.
Sep 17, 2026; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) runs to score a touchdown against the Detroit Lions during the second half at New Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images

Amazon’s TNF Opener Averages 18.6 Million Viewers, Up 5%

The streamer had a strong beginning to its 2026 schedule.
Cleveland Browns coach Todd Monken address the media during day 12 of training camp, Aug. 11, 2026, in Berea, Ohio.
Opinion

Browns’ Todd Monken Wise to Use Mike Tomlin As a Media Motivator

The Browns upset the Buccaneers 24–19 on Sunday.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

9/22/26 – Aikman Waits on ESPN, Paramount Clears Hurdle, Doc Rivers Returns to Booth

0:00

Featured Today

Hot & Social/Mets

Sports Teams Are Playing a New Role: Matchmaker

The latest promotion at the stadium? Love.
Exclusive
September 18, 2026

Vicious Infighting Is Jeopardizing the Future of Women’s Baseball

The WPBL’s own CEO admits there’s a “power struggle.”
September 17, 2026

Fantasy Football Drafts Are Turning Into Full-Blown Vacations

Leagues are forgoing solo drafts and replacing them with in-person getaways.
Oct 4, 2025; Tempe, AZ, USA; General action during the first period of the game between the Arizona State Sun Devils and the Penn State Nittany Lions at Mullett Arena
September 10, 2026

How Military-Style Workouts in College Sports Get Dangerous

For elite athletes, high-intensity training can be “very appealing.”
September 6, 2026

Is Carolyn Tisch Blodgett the Future Face of Giants Ownership?

Amid changes at top of Giants ownership, eyes are on Tisch Blodgett.

‘Team Moms: Baseball’ Cast Hits Back at Critics

A new reality show puts youth baseball front and center.
Oct 7, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; NFL hall of fame Troy Aikman prior to a game between the New Orleans Saints and the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
September 21, 2026

No Troy Aikman–ESPN Extension Imminent Despite Joe Buck Deal

Aikman is currently in the final year of his ESPN contract.
David Ellison Paramount
September 21, 2026

Paramount Settles Antitrust Suit, Clearing Path for WBD Deal

The deal would have significant implications for the companies’ sports portfolios.
Sponsored

How Ryan Smith Is Building the Future of Sports in Utah

Utah Jazz and Mammoth owner talks from tech to team ownership.
Hawkeye and Oregon fans gather for FOX’s Big Noon Kickoff Nov. 8, 2025 in front of the Old Capitol Building on the University of Iowa Campus in Iowa City, Iowa.
September 17, 2026

College Football’s London Debut Brings Big Opportunity for Fox

Kansas and Arizona State are facing off at Wembley Stadium.
Brian Windhorst ESPN
September 17, 2026

Brian Windhorst Discusses Global Podcast Tour, LeBron’s Fanatics Deal

Windhorst also discussed the Clippers’ punishment and LeBron’s potential commute.
Sep 11, 2026; Melbourne, AUS; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) rushes the ball in the second half against the Los Angeles Rams at Melbourne Cricket Ground. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
September 17, 2026

NFL Week 1 Ratings Fall 13% Despite New Broadcast Schedule

The league saw a surprisingly sharp drop in viewership.
Mike Tomlin NBC Sports
Opinion
September 17, 2026

Sports Media Winners and Losers From the Start of Football Season

There were plenty of sports media happenings across college and the NFL.