Deadline·2026-01-05 17:50Core Viewpoint - Dish Network has filed a counterclaim against Disney regarding the Sling Passes, which provide temporary access to live and on-demand content including ESPN, amid ongoing legal disputes [1][2]. Group 1: Legal Proceedings - Disney initially sued Dish in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York seeking a temporary injunction, which was denied by the judge in November [2][4]. - Dish has escalated the legal battle by filing two documents, one seeking to dismiss key counts of Disney's amended complaint and the other asserting federal antitrust and breach of contract claims against Disney [2][4]. Group 2: Contractual Disputes - Sling Passes offer access to the Sling Orange service for a one-time fee without a renewal requirement, while Disney claims that the agreement mandates monthly subscriptions [3][4]. - Dish argues that the license agreement does not specify a minimum subscription length and that the pricing of Sling Passes is reasonable compared to monthly Sling TV rates [4]. Group 3: Antitrust Allegations - Dish's countersuit accuses Disney of abusing its dominant market position by providing favorable terms to competitors while denying similar terms to Dish and Sling, despite Most Favored Nation clauses in their agreement [5]. - The suit alleges anti-competitive behavior, including violations of the Sherman Act by conditioning access to ESPN on the purchase of less valuable channels [5]. Group 4: Market Competition - Dish criticizes Disney's acquisition of Fubo and the creation of the ESPN/Fox One bundle, claiming these actions violate the Clayton and Sherman Acts by reducing competition [6]. - Dish asserts that Disney is attempting to dominate the Skinny Sports Bundle Market, which leads to artificially high prices for consumers [6].