In a pivotal ruling for the streaming industry, a federal judge in New York has denied Disney’s attempt to halt Sling TV’s innovative short-term streaming passes. The decision, handed down on November 19, 2025, allows Sling TV, a subsidiary of Dish Network, to continue offering one-day, weekend, and weekly access to live TV channels, including Disney-owned networks like ESPN and ABC. This outcome marks a significant setback for Disney, which argued that these flexible subscription models violate its licensing agreements.

The dispute centers on Sling TV’s ‘Day Pass’ and similar offerings, which let consumers pay as little as $5 for 24 hours of access to premium content without committing to a full monthly subscription. Disney filed its lawsuit in August 2025, claiming these passes undermine the value of its content and breach contractual terms that require minimum subscription periods. According to court documents, Disney sought a preliminary injunction to block the sales immediately, citing potential irreparable harm to its business model.

The Legal Battle Unfolds

Judge Laura Taylor Swain of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York ruled that Disney failed to demonstrate the necessary irreparable harm to justify an injunction. In her decision, she noted that monetary damages could suffice if Disney prevails in the full trial. This ruling echoes broader tensions in the media landscape, where traditional content providers like Disney grapple with the rise of à la carte streaming options that challenge established carriage deals.

Sling TV celebrated the victory by slashing the price of its Day Pass to $1, a promotional move aimed at attracting sports fans eager for short-term access to events broadcast on ESPN. As reported by Variety, this discount underscores Sling’s strategy to disrupt the pay-TV market by offering flexibility in an era of cord-cutting and rising subscription fatigue.

Sling’s Innovative Model

Launched in August 2025, Sling TV’s short-term passes target viewers interested in specific events, such as NFL games or major news coverage, without the burden of ongoing fees. The Orange package, which includes ESPN, has been particularly contentious, as Disney views it as a loophole that devalues its sports broadcasting rights. Industry analysts suggest this model could inspire similar offerings from competitors, potentially reshaping how live TV is consumed.

Posts on X (formerly Twitter) reflect mixed sentiments, with some users praising the affordability for casual viewers, while others speculate on the long-term implications for content creators. For instance, sports enthusiasts have highlighted the passes as a game-changer for accessing live events without full commitments, according to various updates shared on the platform around November 19, 2025.

Disney’s Broader Strategy

Disney’s aggressive legal stance is part of a larger effort to protect its revenue streams amid declining linear TV viewership. The company, which owns a portfolio including ABC, Freeform, and FX, has been negotiating tougher carriage agreements to combat the fragmentation caused by streaming services. In its complaint, Disney alleged that Sling’s passes violate terms prohibiting ‘temporary’ access to its programming, as detailed in filings covered by The Verge.

The lawsuit isn’t isolated; it follows similar disputes, such as Disney’s 2024 blackout on DirecTV over carriage fees, which affected millions of subscribers. That incident, reported by Stream TV Insider, resolved after weeks of negotiations, but highlighted the fragility of media distribution deals in the digital age.

Industry Repercussions

For Dish Network, the parent company of Sling TV, this ruling provides breathing room to expand its user base. With over 2 million subscribers, Sling has positioned itself as a budget-friendly alternative to traditional cable, emphasizing no-contract flexibility. The $1 promotional Day Pass, announced immediately after the decision, is seen as a direct jab at Disney, potentially drawing in viewers for upcoming events like college football playoffs.

Experts warn that if Sling prevails in the ongoing litigation, it could set a precedent for other platforms. ‘This is about the future of content monetization,’ said media analyst Michael Nathanson in a statement to Front Office Sports. ‘Short-term access models challenge the bundled subscription paradigm that has long sustained networks like ESPN.’

Economic Implications for Streaming

The financial stakes are high. ESPN, Disney’s crown jewel, generates billions in affiliate fees from cable providers. By allowing short-term access, Sling could erode these revenues, prompting Disney to seek higher fees or stricter terms in future deals. According to estimates from Cord Cutters News, the Day Pass has already boosted Sling’s sign-ups by appealing to event-driven viewers.

Meanwhile, consumer advocates applaud the decision, arguing it promotes competition and affordability. The ruling aligns with broader regulatory scrutiny of media conglomerates, as the Federal Trade Commission monitors antitrust concerns in streaming mergers.

Looking Ahead to Trial

As the case proceeds to trial, both sides are preparing robust arguments. Disney may present evidence of lost revenue, while Sling could argue that its passes comply with agreement language allowing for ‘flexible’ offerings. Legal experts predict a protracted battle, with potential appeals that could drag on for months or years.

In the interim, Sling’s promotional pricing is likely to fuel user growth. Recent web searches indicate surging interest in the Day Pass, with queries spiking after the ruling, as consumers seek alternatives to pricey monthly plans.

Shifting Viewer Habits

This dispute underscores evolving viewer preferences toward on-demand, pay-per-use models. With the proliferation of services like Netflix and Hulu, traditional broadcasters face pressure to adapt. Disney’s own streaming ventures, such as Disney+ and Hulu, have embraced bundling, but the Sling model introduces a new layer of granularity.

Industry insiders note that similar short-term options could emerge in international markets, where regulatory environments vary. For now, the U.S. ruling keeps the door open for innovation, challenging Disney’s dominance in content distribution.

Stakeholder Perspectives

Dish executives have expressed optimism, with a spokesperson telling The Streamable that the decision ‘validates our commitment to consumer choice.’ Conversely, Disney has vowed to continue the fight, emphasizing the need to protect intellectual property rights.

As media companies navigate this turbulent landscape, the outcome of this case could redefine licensing agreements across the board, influencing everything from sports broadcasting to general entertainment.