DirecTV, having reached a TV Everywhere accord Friday with Fox's national networks, is continuing to work toward a comprehensive distribution deal with The Walt Disney Co. DirecTV and Disney's 10-year distribution agreement ended Sept. 30. Under an extension, the parties, according to sources, have been continuing to negotiate a new pact that would not only include continued carriage of a suite of Disney networks and services but encompass new digital rights that would also allow for TVE simulcasting for authenticated DirecTV subscribers.
Not having access to DirecTV's 20 million-plus subs has been a major hole within Disney's streaming lineup, notably for WatchESPN.
DirecTV and ESPN officials declined to comment about the state of their discussions.
