The dispute reportedly heated up over the past week. DirecTV subscribers watching ESPN were shown warnings stating that they could lose access to ESPN and its affiliated networks. The message then instructed viewers to visit KeepMyESPN.com for more information. On the website, Disney says, “We are continually working with our cable, satellite, telecommunications and streaming distribution partners to continue offering fans our networks on their television channel lists. Disney Entertainment has a very successful track record of negotiating with providers of all types and sizes across the country and strives to achieve fair, market-based rates and terms.”

Early Monday morning, a Disney representative contacted USA Today and urged DirecTV to stop being a distraction and instead prioritize their customers. They believe that giving “Monday Night Football” back to their customers would be a good start. Disney also claimed that they are working tirelessly to reach a deal, saying, “We continue to negotiate with DirecTV to get our content back as soon as possible.” This claim contradicts what DirecTV Chief Content Officer Rob Thun said after the initial blackout on September 1, when he said that “there’s no one in the room talking right now” when asked how close DirecTV and Disney were to a deal.