Updated: DIRECTV’s New Genre Programming Plans: You Have Questions, We Have Answers!

By Phillip Swann
The TV Answer Man – Follow me on X.
Former editor of Satellite DIRECT magazine. Reported on DIRECTV for more than 30 years.

TV Answer Man, DIRECTV’s new genre packages are hard to understand. Could you provide more details on what they are all about and who can get them and whatnot? – Marshall, Enid, Oklahoma.

Marshall, DIRECTV yesterday (February 27, 2025) launched three more genre-based programming packages, following its introduction last month of a sports-specific package. There are now plans for news, entertainment, sports and Spanish-language channels with prices starting at $34.99 a month.

The announcement yesterday prompted numerous reader e-mails asking everything from why DIRECTV is doing this to who’s eligible to subscribe. So, here are some answers to those questions and others you may have:

Which channels are in the genre plans?
Each plan has a lineup geared to the specific genre, be it news, entertainment, sports or Spanish-language. For example, DIRECTV’s MySports plan has ESPN, FS1, MLB Network, NFL Network and so on. The MyNews package has 14 national and local news channels including Fox News, CNN and MSNBC. MyEntertainment has the cable lifestyle basics such as Discovery, E!, A&E and Comedy Central. See this article for more details on the channel lineups.

How can DIRECTV sell these genre plans for less money?
The companies that own the channels in each genre plan have granted permission to DIRECTV to include them without bundling them with other channels they own. Consequently, the cost of carrying the plan is less than a regular package because it includes fewer channels. For example, DIRECTV’s MyNews package includes 14 national and local news networks, but it does not include sports or other expensive channels unrelated to the genre.

Why is DIRECTV offering genre plans?
DIRECTV, which has lost at least 14 million subscribers to cord cutting and other issues during the last decade, has concluded that many consumers will not subscribe unless they have cheaper and more flexible options. The TV provider believes that the genre plans will revitalize the pay TV industry, luring former customers to return.

Can you order the genre plans without subscribing to DIRECTV’s regular packages?
Yes, the four genre packages are standalone offerings, meaning you can subscribe to them without having to get DIRECTV’s more expensive packages such as Choice or Ultimate.

How can you order the genre plans?
The four plans are available to order at DIRECTVStream.com.

Can DIRECTV’s satellite subscribers get the genre plans?
No, as of now, they are only available via streaming.

Can you get a free trial?
Yes, there is a five-day free trial for new subscribers. Returning customers who have cancelled within the last 12 months are not eligible for the free trial.

Does DIRECTV’s MySports genre plan include ESPN+?
Yes, ESPN+, the $10.99 streaming companion to ESPN’s basic cable channel, has been added to MySports at no extra charge.

Will DIRECTV’s satellite subscribers get ESPN+ with their package?
As of now, ESPN+ is only available in DIRECTV’s MySports genre plan.

What about Hulu and Disney+? Are they in the genre plans?
When DIRECTV secured a new carriage deal with Disney last September, the company said Disney would permit it to include its streaming services with DIRECTV’s plans. As of now, Disney+ with ads and Hulu with ads are part of DIRECTV’s MyEntertainment genre plan while ESPN+ has been added to MySports. But the three streamers have not been added to DIRECTV’s satellite packages.

It sounds like DIRECTV is favoring streaming over satellite. Is that correct?
DIRECTV has acknowledged that streaming is the future and it has invested more time and money to build its streaming business over the last few years. There is no doubt there.

Are there more programming offerings with the genre plans?
Yes, in addition to the new genre plans, DIRECTV has launched two Mini-Packs for movie and sports fans.

The MyCinema Mini-Pack, which is available as an add-on for MyEntertainment, MyNews and MySports subscribers, has seven channels including Great American Family, Lifetime Movie Network, Family Movie Classic, GRIT, INSP, Shorts  TV, SONY Movies, and Turner Classic Movies. The cost is $9.99 a month.

The MySports Extra Mini-Pack, which costs $12.99 a month and is available as an add-on for MySports subscribers, includes five sports channels: NFL RedZone, MotorTrend, MAVTV, Pursuit Channel and Willow TV.

Will MySports ever get regional sports networks?
DIRECTV also said it plans to launch a Mini-Pack plan called MyHomeTeam, which will include regional sports networks, by Major League Baseball’s 2025 opening day on March 27, 2025. The current MySports lineup does not include RSNs. It’s unclear which RSNs will be available in the MyHomeTeam add-on plan or what the plan’s cost will be.

Update: DIRECTV adds regional sports networks in an add-on plan.

Can you add other premium channels to the genre plan?
Yes. The available premium add-on to genre packages include Max, Cinemax, MGM+, Starz, History Vault, Fox Nation, Lifetime Movie Club, A&E Crime Central, NBA League Pass, Major League Soccer (MLS), Netflix, and Hallmark+.

Have More Questions? Ask The TV Answer Man!
Have a question about a favorite show, streaming service, or new TV technology? Send it to The TV Answer Man at swann@tvanswerman.com. Please include your first name and hometown in your message.

Who Is The TV Answer Man?
The TV Answer Man is veteran journalist Phillip Swann who has covered television for more than three decades. He will report on the latest news and answer your questions regarding new devices and services that are changing the way you watch TV. See the bio for Phillip Swann here.