French-born model and actor Gilles Marini poses with Mickey Mouse at ESPN Wide World of Sports at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida

Verizon customers can continue to watch ESPN, ABC, and other channels owned by Disney after the two companies announced a deal over programming fees.

The telecommunications giant and the entertainment company said in a joint statement Sunday: "Verizon and The Walt Disney Company have reached a broad-based distribution agreement."

The statement said details would be released in the coming days.

The companies faced a Dec. 31 deadline. Without an agreement, Verizon's Fios network would have stopped carrying Disney channels.