DirecTV to Acquire Dish Network for $1

DirecTV has agreed to acquire Dish Network for $1, taking on approximately $9.75 billion of Dish's debt, in a move that will create the largest U.S. pay-TV provider with around 20 million subscribers. Both companies have faced significant subscriber losses due to the rise of streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime. This merger is seen as a strategic effort to offer smaller, more affordable content packages and improve the subscriber experience. EchoStar, Dish's parent company, aims to reduce its debt burden and focus on its wireless services, including developing a nationwide 5G network. The deal, pending regulatory approval and bondholder consent, is expected to close by the fourth quarter of 2025.