Scripps-owned broadcast stations went dark for DirecTV customers across the country on Sunday, leaving countless viewers in a lurch as major sporting events like the NBA Finals and Stanley Cup Finals are set to begin.

The two companies are fighting over contract fees. Here's what local viewers need to know.

The retransmission battle between Scripps and DirecTV has escalated, with 54 local Scripps stations in 36 Nielsen-designated markets going dark as of 7 p.m. ET on Sunday. Both sides blamed the other for the blackout,

Stream the NBA and NHL Finals, the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and more with DIRECTV’s sports-themed genre pack this month. The official start of summer is still a couple of weeks off in the United States, but top sports channels are already unleashing some of their best programming of the season.

If you are among the DirecTV customers without ABC due to the retransmission dispute with Scripps, we've rounded up the most affordable streaming alternatives to get you through, especiall with the Stanley Cup Finals and NBA Finals approaching.

Programming on Scripps Local Media’s 54 broadcast stations across 36 Nielsen-designated market areas has been suspended beginning at 7 p.m. ET today, as the third-largest operator of ABC affiliates and DirecTV have reached an impasse over retransmission rates with both sides laying blame at each other’s proverbial feet.

Earlier this year, the Scripps stations were temporarily blacked out for Comcast subscribers.

Network-affiliated stations in Oklahoma City and Tulsa were restored to DIRECTV's satellite and streaming platforms Tuesday afternoon, according to a source.— This story first appears at TheDesk.net,

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