Viewers hoping to catch the exciting match between No. 12 LSU and No. 23 USC on DirecTV faced a surprise blackout just before the game began.

This blackout occurred because of a dispute over carrier fees between DirecTV and Disney, which owns ABC. As a result, DirecTV customers were unable to watch this matchup featuring Garrett Nussmier and Miller Moss in the Modelo Vegas Kickoff Classic.

Moreover, the blackout extends beyond just ABC; all Disney-owned channels, including ESPN and ESPN2, are also affected.

Here’s what you need to know regarding the game between the Tigers and Trojans:

Why Are ABC and ESPN Unavailable on DirecTV for LSU vs. USC?

Right before the LSU vs. USC game started, a blackout of ABC for DirecTV users took place due to an ongoing dispute regarding carrier fees between DirecTV and Disney, the parent company of ABC. This blackout began shortly after 7 p.m. ET, as the broadcast of the U.S. Open was concluding on ESPN.

As noted by YSL News, DirecTV is seeking “smaller, more personalized packages with prices that provide real value for consumers,” according to a statement made by Rob Thun, DirecTV’s chief content officer, just before the college football season started.

“DirecTV has not come to an agreement with Disney. This means that Disney channels, including local ABC stations in eight markets, ESPN, and various entertainment and regional sports networks are not available. For more details, visit spr.ly/6014mQYve,” DirecTV Help mentioned in a reply on X (previously Twitter) on Saturday.

Watch LSU vs. USC Football Live on ESPN+

Disney’s Response to the ABC Blackout

Disney shared a comprehensive statement regarding the current blackout affecting the ESPN networks on Sunday:

“DirecTV made the decision to deny millions of subscribers access to our content just as we approach the final week of the U.S. Open and the kickoff of college football and NFL seasons. While we are willing to provide DirecTV with flexible terms, as we’ve done with other distributors, we cannot agree to terms that undervalue our extensive range of television channels and programming.

“We allocate significant resources to deliver top-tier brands in entertainment, news, and sports because that is what our audience expects and deserves. We urge DirecTV to prioritize the needs of its customers and finalize a deal to restore our programming at once.”

Watch LSU vs. USC Football Live with Fubo (Free Trial)

DirecTV’s Statement on the ABC Blackout

On Sunday night, DirecTV provided the following statement via X (formerly Twitter):

“Just hours before Disney removed its programming from millions of DirecTV customers, they insisted that any licensing agreement would require DirecTV to waive all claims regarding Disney’s potentially anti-competitive conduct,” the statement indicated.

SEC’s Response to the ABC Blackout

The Southeastern Conference briefly addressed the issue on X during the LSU vs. USC game on Sunday:

Which Channels Are Affected?

The blackout impacts the entire ESPN network lineup, including ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ABC, ACC Network, and SEC Network.

How Can You Watch LSU vs. USC Football During the DirecTV Blackout?

• Streaming Options: ESPN+ | Fubo (Free Trial)

You can watch the LSU vs. USC game via streaming on ESPN+ or Fubo, which includes ABC and offers a free trial for eligible users.