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Verizon Communications ’ ( VZ ) spat with Walt Disney ( DIS ) over sports channel ESPN could be over. Verizon on Friday revamped its “Custom TV” programming packages for FiOS TV subscribers. Verizon FiOS now offers two standard bundles — one with sports channels ESPN, Fox Sports and NBC Sports and one without them, according to a release . The “Essentials” package without sports has more popular entertainment channels. Ray McConville, a Verizon spokesperson, said the new bundles still give customers the option of skipping sports. He said the Custom TV revamp had nothing to do with a dispute that flared in April between Verizon and Disney. When Verizon launched Custom TV, its $55 monthly base package for 35 channels excluded Disney’s ESPN, which garners the highest fees among cable networks. Disney sued Verizon claiming it doesn’t have rights to exclude its sports channel from TV bundles under programming deals. Verizon expanded the number of channels in both new packages. The new offering now cost $69.99, along with FiOS Internet and digital voice services. Following Verizon’s Q4 earnings call, analysts speculated that a Verizon-Disney resolution could be in the cards, as IBD reported. Disney, meanwhile, on its Q4 call commented on ESPN’s success as part of Dish Networks ‘ ( DISH ) online TV service called Sling. Disney is exploring streaming deals with other companies. Disney’s ESPN is also not part of Comcast ’s ( CMCSA ) over-the-top “Stream” TV service. Image provided by Shutterstock . Scalper1 News
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