Sling TV Discontinues Short-Term Cable Passes

Sling TV has officially shuttered its Sling Pass feature, ending the ability for subscribers to purchase single-day, weekend, or weekly access to live cable programming. The move follows a high-profile legal battle with major media conglomerates that challenged the platform's attempt to disrupt traditional monthly subscription models.

Corp and Tech·October 4, 2026·reads: 346

The service, owned by Dish, introduced these flexible tiers last year as a way to access networks such as ESPN and CNN without committing to a full month of service. The rollout immediately triggered a lawsuit from Disney and Warner Bros. Discovery, who sought to block the passes via a preliminary injunction. While a federal judge ultimately ruled in favor of Sling TV, the company has now quietly retired the feature.

In a statement posted to its website, Sling TV framed the decision as part of an ongoing effort to innovate rather than a retreat. The company emphasized that its goal remains providing customers with control over their entertainment experience, despite the removal of the short-term access options. Customers were notified of the change via direct communication, marking the end of a brief experiment in granular, micro-subscription television.