DirecTV drops KTNV from their lineup just before Stanley Cup, NBA Finals

Las Vegas, NV (KXNT) – A dispute over rights fees means some Las Vegas hockey fans might not be able to watch the Vegas Golden Knights’ quest for their second Stanley Cup.

Sunday afternoon, DirecTV removed KTNV from their lineup after an agreement failed to be reached on a new deal between the satellite provider and Scripps Media, owner of Channel 13 and 53 other television stations around the country.

The timing couldn’t be worse for hockey fans, with the Stanley Cup finals between the Golden Knights and Carolina Hurricanes starting on Tuesday night. In addition, ABC also has the NBA Finals between the San Antonio Spurs and New York Knicks. That series begins on Wednesday.

KTNV addressed the issue on their website, saying their programming can still be accessed through other options like digital antennas, YouTube TV, Hulu+ Live TV.

DirecTV issued a statement on the dispute, saying that Scripps Media “is demanding the highest rates we have ever seen for programming that remains available for free over-the-air and through many station, network and third-party streaming apps.”