Skip to Content

Add The Streamable as a preferred source on Google to see more streaming news and deals.

DIRECTV Sweetens Offer to DISH Bondholders to Aid Merger Talks

DIRECTV Sweetens Offer to DISH Bondholders to Aid Merger Talks

The offer has been made to a group of DISH investors who were unimpressed by initial offers to exchange their bonds as part of the DIRECTV merger proposal.

Known for breaking major streaming stories, he’s covered everything from Netflix policy shifts to Peacock’s ad-tier changes. A sci-fi fan and Toshiba Fire TV user, he brings sharp analysis and a love for the genre to his reporting.

DIRECTV is once again showing a willingness to bend a little in order to get a major deal done. Late last week, it was reported that DIRECTV’s desire to merge with DISH was being threatened by a group of investors who were unsatisfied with the exchange rate they were being asked to take for their DISH bonds. DIRECTV and DISH’s parent company EchoStar have announced that the offer to those investors has been sweetened, in hopes that these changes will help them get the deal across the finish line.

Key Details:

  • Exchange prices for notes held by disgruntled bondholders were increased by DIRECTV in its latest offer.
  • There will be no changes in “maturity, interest rate, interest payment dates and covenants” as compared to outstanding notes.
  • Investors have until Nov. 12 to signal whether they’ll approve the modified terms or not.

The updated offer from DIRECTV has increased the exchange price that investors are to be paid for their outstanding bonds in DISH’s DBS — the entity that controls pay-TV packages like DISH satellite and Sling TV — by as many as 6.5 percentage points. In short, those bondholders have been offered more money than they were initially tendered to exchange their DBS investments for new notes backed by a merged DIRECTV/DISH.

Other than the revised price that DIRECTV is willing to pay to exchange those bonds, there will not be any substantive changes to the terms agreed to by investors when they initially bought in. “Maturity, interest rate, interest payment dates and covenants” will remain the same except for certain tweaks, according to EchoStar.

“The revised exchange terms represent DIRECTV’s interest in the successful completion of the transaction, which we believe is in the best interest of all parties,” a DIRECTV spokesperson told The Streamable.

The merger between DIRECTV and DISH would create the country’s largest pay-TV company, if it can get past the scrutiny of both investors and government regulators. It would boast nearly 20 million subscribers and would control two highly popular live TV streaming services in DIRECTV STREAM and Sling TV.

DISH investors now have until Nov. 12 to consider and respond to the revised deal terms offered by DIRECTV. If they approve, the merger will move forward, but if they don’t a transaction that has taken years to initiate could be halted in its tracks.

  • 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.

    …

    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.

    5-Day Trial

    Start streaming DIRECTV & save up to $30 off your 1st mo. of service! Learn how.

  • Sling TV

    Sling TV is The Streamable’s choice for cord-cutters on a budget. Sling is a live TV streaming service with multiple channel packages. The $45.99/month Sling Orange plan offers about 30 channels, including Disney Channel and ESPN. The $45.99/month Sling Blue plan offers about 40 channels, including ABC, Fox, and NBC in major markets.

    You can combine Orange+Blue for a total of $60.99 / month. Sling also offers many channel add-on packages starting at $6/month.


David Satin has been a dedicated News Writer at The Streamable since 2022, covering a wide range of stories in the entertainment and streaming industries. With years of experience writing online, David previously worked as a list writer for Screen Rant, where he gained recognition for his extensive coverage of sci-fi and fantasy genres. His ability to break and analyze major stories has made him a trusted voice in the streaming world. Over the course of his career, Satin has become an integral part of The Streamable team, contributing to some of the most impactful stories in the industry.

Add The Streamable as a preferred source on Google to see more streaming news and deals.

DIRECTV Cash Back

Let us know your e-mail address to send your $50 Amazon Gift Card when you sign up for DIRECTV STREAM.

You will receive it ~2 weeks after you complete your first month of service.

Sling TV Cash Back

Let us know your e-mail address to send your $25 Uber Eats Gift Card when you sign up for Sling TV.

You will receive it ~2 weeks after you complete your first month of service.

Hulu Live TV Cash Back

Let us know your e-mail address to send your $35 Amazon Gift Card when you sign up for Hulu Live TV.

You will receive it ~2 weeks after you complete your first month of service.