Sling TV is slashing the price of its one-day streaming pass to just $1 through November 30th, a move directly linked to a recent court victory against Disney. This isn’t a typical Black Friday promotion, but rather a celebration of Sling’s right to offer flexible subscription options.
The Dispute with Disney
In August, Disney sued Sling, claiming the streamer violated their contract by discounting short-term access to channels outside of traditional monthly subscriptions. Disney argued that Sling’s Day, Weekend, and Week Passes undermined the exclusivity agreements they had in place. However, U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian sided with Sling this week, rejecting Disney’s request for an injunction that would have blocked these deals.
Why this matters: This ruling sets a precedent for how streaming services can price and package their content. Disney and other media giants increasingly want to control how consumers access their channels, pushing for longer-term subscriptions. Sling’s win challenges that approach, arguing that short-term access should be available.
What Sling’s Passes Offer
Sling’s $1 Day Pass gives subscribers 24-hour access to the 34 channels included in its Sling Orange package. Key channels include ESPN, CNN, TNT, TBS, and—ironically—Disney Channel. The offer applies to both new and existing Sling customers, allowing them to pay the discounted rate throughout the promotional period.
Beyond the Day Pass, Sling also offers:
- Weekend Passes: $10 for access from Friday to Sunday.
- Week Passes: $15 for seven days of streaming.
The takeaway: Sling’s aggressive pricing strategy is designed to attract casual viewers who don’t want to commit to a full monthly subscription. This legal win allows them to continue offering those options, potentially forcing Disney and other networks to re-evaluate their distribution tactics.
This decision highlights a growing tension in the streaming landscape between traditional media companies seeking control and newer services prioritizing flexibility for consumers.
