Verizon FiOS Sued Over No-ESPN-Included “Custom TV” Cable Packages

(photo: Bart)

Just about every basic cable package in the U.S. includes ESPN whether you want it or not. This is because the popular sports network’s contract generally forbids pay-TV providers from putting ESPN on a separate sports tier. But Verizon FiOS recently introduced “Custom TV,” a programming package that doesn’t necessarily include ESPN, and now the telecom giant is being sued by the sports network for breach of contract.

This is according to a summons [PDF] for Verizon to appear in a New York state court in Manhattan.

ESPN is alleging breach of contract and is asking the court to issue an injunction preventing FiOS from offering a base channel package that would not include ESPN. The suit also seeks unspecified damages of at least $500,000.

A statement from the network explains that “ESPN is at the forefront of embracing innovative ways to deliver high-quality content and value to consumers on multiple platforms, but that must be done in compliance with our agreements. We simply ask that Verizon abide by the terms of our contracts.”