DISH vs Gray Media

Sling Discontinues Short-Term Passes

Sling TV has discontinued its short-term 'Sling Passes,' which allowed users to subscribe for one to seven days. Introduced in August 2025, the passes included Day, Weekend, and Week options, priced at $4.99, $9.99, and $14.99 respectively. The launch aimed to attract cord cutters during football season, but faced legal challenges from Disney and Warner Bros. Discovery, who sued Sling's parent company DISH for breach of contract over the unapproved packages. The lawsuits likely influenced the decision to retire the passes, though no official reason was given. Sling now returns to its standard lineup: Orange, Blue, combined Orange & Blue, and the newer Basic plans ($19.99/month).

• Sling TV discontinued its short-term Sling Passes as of October 5, 2026.
• The passes, launched in August 2025, included Day Pass ($4.99), Weekend Pass ($9.99), and Week Pass ($14.99).
• Disney and Warner Bros. Discovery filed lawsuits against DISH over the passes for breach of contract.

DISH Teams Up with United Airlines to Provide Live Football at 35,000 Feet

Passengers on United airplanes with Starlink-enabled seatback screens have access to live college and pro football games starting this week across ...

Sling TV's Future Uncertain After DISH Bankruptcy Filing

Sling TV — one of the first over‑the‑top live multichannel services, launched February 9, 2015 — faces an uncertain future after its parent’s prepackaged Chapter 11 filing. DISH DBS Corporation (an EchoStar subsidiary) filed for Chapter 11 on June 30, 2026 after a delay in closing a large spectrum sale to AT&T left the company short of cash to repay $2 billion in notes. Sling peaked near 2.6 million subscribers around 2020 but reported 1.707 million subscribers as of the end of June 2026. The restructuring aims to clean the balance sheet and wind down DISH’s wireless build; industry observers expect EchoStar may consider selling or spinning off DISH satellite and Sling assets once the process concludes.

• Sling TV launched on February 9, 2015 as an over‑the‑top live multichannel television service in the U.S.
• Sling reported 1.707 million subscribers as of the end of June 2026, down from a peak near 2.6 million around 2020.
• On June 30, 2026, DISH DBS Corporation (an EchoStar subsidiary) filed a prepackaged Chapter 11 case in Houston.

8-K Financial Filing Analysis for Gray Media (2026-08-21)

On August 21, 2026, Gray Media, Inc. closed an offering of $750 million aggregate principal amount of 7.500% senior secured first lien notes due September 15, 2034. The notes were issued at par pursuant to an indenture with U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association acting as trustee and collateral agent. The transaction successfully extends the company's debt maturity profile and lowers interest expense on existing obligations. Gray Media is using the net proceeds from the offering to redeem $675 million outstanding principal amount of its high-coupon 10.500% senior secured first lien notes due 2029, repay $21 million of borrowings under its revolving credit facility, and cover transaction fees, expenses, call premiums, and accrued interest.

• Issued $750,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 7.500% senior secured first lien notes due September 15, 2034 at par.
• Proceeds will redeem $675,000,000 of 10.500% senior secured first lien notes due 2029, reducing annual coupon costs by 300 bps on that principal.
• Allocated $21,000,000 of proceeds to pay down revolving credit facility debt alongside covering related redemption premiums and fees.

8-K Financial Filing Analysis for Gray Media (2026-09-28)

On September 28, 2026, Gray Media, Inc. furnished a Form 8-K under Item 2.02 reporting an upward revision to its financial guidance for the third quarter ending September 30, 2026. The update highlights an increase in expected political advertising revenue and raises the lower bound of its total net revenue guidance range for the quarter. The adjustment reflects stronger-than-anticipated political advertising spending across its broadcast footprint as the election cycle progresses, reinforcing short-term top-line momentum and cash flow generation.

• Gray Media raised its Q3 2026 political advertising guidance on September 28, 2026.
• The company lifted the low end of its total revenue guidance range for the third quarter ending September 30, 2026.
• The disclosure was furnished via Exhibit 99.1 under Item 2.02 and signed by EVP & CFO Jeffrey R. Gignac.

Cavaliers to Air 15 Free Games on Local TV

The Cleveland Cavaliers announced that 15 regular-season games for the 2026-27 season will be available free over-the-air, simulcast on Gray Media stations and streamed on DAZN. This move extends the NBA's broader trend of moving local games to broadcast television following the decline of regional sports networks. Fans in the Cleveland market can watch on WOIO, WUAB, and Rock Entertainment Sports Network, with other markets also carrying the games. The free games will have pregame and postgame coverage. The team's full local streaming package is available via DAZN subscriptions, with plans ranging from $19.99 monthly to $139.99 for a season pass. The Cavaliers join other teams like the Hornets, Magic, and Suns in offering free over-the-air viewing options.

• Cleveland Cavaliers will air 15 regular-season games free over-the-air on Gray Media stations.
• Games will also be streamed free on the DAZN app, requiring a free DAZN account.
• DAZN is the Cavaliers' streaming home, with season passes from $119.99 to $139.99.