We've reached out to Verizon for its response to the allegations, and we'll let you know if it has more to add. Whatever the scoop may be, it's safe to say that Disney will fight hard to put ESPN in the base package. ESPN got its dominance in part because it's ubiquitous in TV bundles -- Verizon is treating it more as a specialty station. As much as you might want to pay solely for the channels you'll actually watch, it's doubtful that Disney will willingly sacrifice this cash cow in the name of convenience.

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