ESPN/SEC Networks Back on DirecTV/U-verse

To the excitement of sports fans and the disdain of others, ESPN/SEC Networks are back on DirecTV/U-Verse. So, for the first time in 13 days, you can watch SEC football on the ESPN group of networks, including the SEC Network.

You can tune in right now to see former Tide Football Coach Nick Saban and the ESPN "GameDay" crew and their antics from Columbia, SC. The full slate of SEC games on ESPN's various networks will now be available for subscribers.

DirecTV and Disney reached an agreement in principle to end the dispute that kept ESPN and the rest of the Disney-owned networks off of the TV provider. The breakdown in negotiations occurred on September 1, leaving DirecTV and U-Verse customers frustrated by the lack of access to Disney programming. The plug was pulled right in the middle of SEC Network's pre-game coverage of the LSU and Southern Cal game in Las Vegas.

Overshadowing the on again and off again negotiations between Disney and DirecTV/U-verse was an acrimonious public relations campaign to minimize each side's part in the contract dispute and point the accusing finger at the other side.

Disney restored programming to DirecTV/U-verse just in time for today's SEC games and “Monday Night Football,” featuring a matchup between the Jalen Hurts led Philadelphia Eagles and the Atlanta Falcons. The launch of ABC’s new primetime season later this month further heightened the urgency of the negotiations and the pressure on Disney Company to make their program available again to 11-million DirecTV/U-verse subscribers.

Various entertainment industry sources are reporting that DirecTV/U-verse had seen thousands of subscribers cancel their service during the blackout. In light of this potential subscriber loss, the satellite television provider aimed to stem the tide of cancellations.

The new contract reflects increases in the fees that DirecTV/U-verse will pay for Disney programming. Additionally, DirecTV previously informed subscribers of a planned price increase next month for some bundles because of escalating programming costs.

DirecTV/U-verse were quick to point out in their notification of a settlement that it was Disney who had removed programming from networks they own, not the two providers.

So grab the grub and head to the TV set if you are a DirecTV/U-verse subscriber, the games are on.