DIRECTV is having quite a week. Not only did the cable channel distributor agree to a new carriage deal with Disney that quashed a blackout of ESPN and other channels, but it has now announced a new partnership with Chicago Sports Network. DIRECTV is the first distributor to announce a deal with CHSN, which will deliver Chicago Blackhawks and Chicago Bulls games to in-market fans starting in October, as well as Chicago White Sox games beginning in 2025.

Key Details:

• DIRECTV will distribute CHSN across a five-state footprint.
• The same channels used for NBC Sports Chicago will now be reserved for CHSN.
• Viewers will need to subscribe to a CHOICE package or higher to get CHSN on DIRECTV.

Fans who were accustomed to watching the Blackhawks, Bulls, and White Sox on NBC Sports Chicago will have no problem finding the new Chicago Sports Network on DIRECTV. The network will be available through DIRECTV via Internet and DIRECTV STREAM on channel 665, and on AT&T U-Verse on channel 1741(HD)/741(SD), the same slots NBC Sports Chicago used to occupy. Chicago Sports Network is set to launch on Oct. 1.

“We have always prided ourselves on being a sports leader and intend to remain at the forefront,” said DIRECTV Chief Content Officer Rob Thun. “The most important element in the media landscape today is consumer choice, and that means ensuring the most loyal fans can always connect with their favorite teams, while other homes with equally as avid interests can avoid those extra costs. CHSN and DIRECTV both believe in the unique power of local sports teams to unite the communities they call home, and we will continue collaborating with the top leagues, local franchises, and media partners to cultivate future generations of fans.”

DIRECTV will offer CHSN in five states: most of Illinois and Iowa, along with parts of Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin. The channel will be available in DIRECTV’s CHOICE packages or higher, which is standard operating procedure as far as which DIRECTV subscription plans carry regional sports networks (RSNs). The base price of DIRECTV STREAM’s CHOICE package is $108.99 per month currently, but will rise to $114.99 in October.

“This agreement establishes an immediate foundation for CHSN and aligns us with one of the foremost innovators in sports media,” said Chicago Sports Network President Jason Coyle. “We are excited about DIRECTV’s commitment to Chicago and its fervent fans, which is evident in our collaborative efforts to deliver upon our fan-first approach, commitment to quality, and engaging game-day experiences for everyone who loves Chicago sports.”

Chicago Sports Network will differ from other RSNs in one important aspect: it will also be available to watch over the air. On Monday, the channel announced that it had partnered with local Chicago stations to put Blackhawks, Bulls, and White Sox games on free broadcast networks for in-market customers.

Thanks to the DIRECTV distribution deal, customers now have even more choices when it comes to how they’ll welcome CHSN into their home. More such deals are expected between the channel and major cable companies, and an in-market streaming option could be a possibility in the future as well.

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DIRECTV

DIRECTV is one of The Streamable’s top choices for the best live TV streaming service overall in 2026, especially for users who want the most channels or want to watch the most live sports. With an unbeatable lineup of local, news, sports, and entertainment channels, three main signature packages, an unlimited DVR, and 20 simultaneous streams at home, DIRECTV remains a premier choice for any cord-cutter.

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Following the launch of several genre-specific Genre Packs, there are now even more flexible ways to watch DIRECTV. Options like MySports, MyEntertainment, MyNews, and MiEspañol provide affordable, targeted alternatives to larger bundles, allowing viewers to subscribe to a specific set of channels that match their interests without the cost of a full lineup.

DIRECTV starts at $59.99 / month for its Entertainment package. You can access your local regional sports network with the Choice package, which begins at $64.99 / month, as well as the MySports Pack $44.99 / month. At the top end, they also have an Ultimate ($94.99) for 218 channels. Slimmer Genre Packs for entertainment and news are MyEntertainment for $42.99 / month and MyNews $39.99 / month. There is no contract or broadcast TV fees with this DIRECTV streaming option.

The service was previously called DIRECTV STREAM, preceded by AT&T TV.

How much does DIRECTV cost in 2026?

DIRECTV now offers flexible entry points starting at $19.99/month for the MyKids Genre Pack, while full Signature Packages like Entertainment start at $84.99/month. See the full list: DIRECTV Pricing & Plans

Does DIRECTV have a free trial?

Yes, DIRECTV offers a 5-Day Free Trial for new customers, which includes access to your chosen package and any added Genre Packs.

What are DIRECTV Genre Packs?

Genre Packs are targeted, contract-free plans introduced in 2025. They include MySports ($69.99/mo), MyEntertainment ($34.99/mo), MyNews ($39.99/mo), and MiEspañol ($34.99/mo), often bundling apps like Max, Disney+, or Hulu.

How many channels does DIRECTV have?

The channel count varies by plan: the Entertainment package starts with 90+ channels, while the Premier package offers over 185+ channels. See the full list: DIRECTV Channels.

How many streams are allowed at once on DIRECTV?

DIRECTV allows for unlimited simultaneous streams on your home network and up to 3 streams while on the go. See more details: DIRECTV Simultaneous Streams

Does DIRECTV include local channels?

Yes, local affiliates like ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC are included in all Signature Packages and the MySports Genre Pack in most markets. See the full list: DIRECTV Local Channels.

Does DIRECTV have live sports?

DIRECTV is a leader in sports, offering ESPN, FS1, NFL Network, and MLB Network, plus Regional Sports Networks (RSNs) in the Choice plan and above. See the full list: DIRECTV Sports Channels.

Does DIRECTV offer premium channels?

Yes, you can add Max, Paramount+ with SHOWTIME, STARZ, and Cinemax. Many 2026 Genre Packs now include these services as part of the base price. See the full list: DIRECTV Premium Channels.

Does DIRECTV offer 4K streaming?

DIRECTV provides dedicated 4K channels (104-106) for live sports and special events at no extra cost, provided you have a compatible 4K device.

Does DIRECTV have a DVR?

Every DIRECTV plan includes Unlimited Cloud DVR storage, allowing you to record and save shows for up to 9 months.

Is there a Regional Sports Network (RSN) fee on DIRECTV?

An RSN fee of up to $15.99/month applies to the Choice package and above, as these plans include local sports coverage. This fee is determined by your zip code and the number of Regional Sports Networks available in your area.

Can I avoid the RSN fee on DIRECTV?

Yes. To avoid the RSN fee, you can subscribe to the Entertainment package or the MySports Genre Pack ($69.99/mo), which bundles sports content without a separate itemized RSN charge. See the breakdown: DIRECTV RSN Fees & Locations.

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