The DIRECTV channel lineup is built around four Signature packages: Entertainment (90+ channels), Choice (125+), Ultimate (160+) and Premier (185+), as listed by DIRECTV as of October 2026. Smaller streaming Genre Packs such as MySports and MyNews, a Sports Pack add-on and premium channels let viewers customize what they pay for.
Key Takeaways
- DIRECTV lists four Signature packages as of October 2026: Entertainment (90+ channels), Choice (125+), Ultimate (160+) and Premier (185+).
- Genre Packs (MySports, MyEntertainment, MyNews, MyKids, MiEspañol) are smaller, cheaper themed bundles.
- The DIRECTV Sports Pack adds 35+ regional and specialty sports networks, including NFL RedZone from NFL Network, NBA TV and MLB Network.
- NFL Sunday Ticket moved from DIRECTV to YouTube TV for US homes starting with the 2023 NFL season.
- Several channels have new names: MSNBC is now MS NOW, BBC World News is now BBC News and the main Showtime channel is Paramount+ with Showtime.
Viewers now have access to various channels that span many genres thanks to satellite TV services like DIRECTV. It offers a huge channel line-up to cater to different tastes and preferences, ranging from sports and movies to news and lifestyle entertainment.
The era of limited viewing options and set schedules is over. Viewers may access various channels, keep up with the most recent news, enjoy their favorite games, explore the world of movies, and discover entertaining material for the whole family with DIRECTV. Whether you love sports, movies, the latest news, or just a wide range of entertainment, DIRECTV packages have you covered.
What Channels Are Available on DIRECTV via Satellite?
Here, we will dive into the options that DIRECTV offers you regarding its channel line-up so that you can enjoy the convenience that comes with its range of channels.
Entertainment Channels
The general entertainment channels, which appeal to various viewing needs, are at the forefront of the DIRECTV channel selection. This collection offers hours of engaging entertainment with its delicious blend of drama series, reality shows, comedy and interesting chat shows. DIRECTV’s general entertainment channels have something for everyone, whether you’re in the mood for heart-pounding thrills, side-splitting humor, thought-provoking discussions, or heartwarming stories.
With DIRECTV, you can enjoy the newest and best TV shows from major networks like ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX, and The CW.
These networks are famous for creating acclaimed series and hosting popular chat shows that keep people interested and returning for more.
News Channels
It is more important than ever to keep up with current events in today’s fast-paced world. DIRECTV understands the value of staying informed and ensures that its customers have access to various news and information channels. These networks offer up-to-date national and local news coverage, ensuring viewers are always informed.
CNN, Fox News, MS NOW (called MSNBC until November 2025), and BBC News (called BBC World News until April 2023) are among the well-known news networks associated with DIRECTV; channel availability varies by package, so check the current lineup. Each of these networks is a widely watched source of national and international news, although their editorial approaches differ, so many viewers compare more than one.
When it comes to breaking news, political issues, or world problems, DIRECTV ensures its customers have access to dependable and thorough information, enabling them to be informed citizens in a constantly shifting environment.
Sports Channels
With a remarkable selection of channels covering numerous sports and leagues, DIRECTV’s sports channel lineup fulfills the desires of every sports fan. DIRECTV bundles include major sports networks like ESPN and FOX Sports, while specialty channels such as NFL RedZone from NFL Network come through the Sports Pack add-on.
Whether you’re an avid fan of baseball, hockey, basketball, football, or any other sport, DIRECTV makes sure you never miss a second of the action.
On top of that, the DIRECTV Sports Pack is an add-on that DIRECTV describes as 35+ regional and specialty sports networks, including channels such as NBA TV, NFL Network, NFL RedZone from NFL Network, MLB Network, and NHL Network. The out-of-market regional sports networks in the pack require the Choice package or higher, and DIRECTV lists the Sports Pack as available with any Signature package on both its satellite and streaming plans.
Movie Channels
The movie channels on DIRECTV provide fans with an unmatched cinematic experience in the convenience of their homes. Subscribers may immerse themselves in compelling storytelling and blockbuster entertainment with a carefully curated collection of premium channels.
Premium movie channels include HBO, Cinemax, STARZ and Showtime (the main Showtime channel was renamed Paramount+ with Showtime on January 8, 2024), which show recent releases and classic favorites. The streaming service once called Max returned to the name HBO Max in July 2025.
Along with these premium movie channels, DIRECTV’s on-demand selection adds to the experience. Subscribers can pick from an on-demand movie library spanning different eras and genres; which titles are available depends on the package and premium channels on the account.
Additionally, DIRECTV on-demand content and movie channels go beyond Hollywood blockbusters. It is a gold mine for cinephiles who appreciate discovering the world of cinema outside of conventional releases because it contains international films, independent productions, and award-winning works.
Kids Channels
The extensive selection of family and kids’ channels offered by DIRECTV shows the company’s dedication to providing family-friendly entertainment, enabling parents to give their children a more secure and educational viewing experience. Kids and teenagers can go on exciting journeys and learn important life skills while being delighted with age-appropriate content.
These channels include Disney Channel, Cartoon Network, Nickelodeon, and Freeform, which will keep your child engaged and entertained. If DIRECTV does not suit your household, cable providers such as Spectrum and streaming services also carry many children’s channels, so compare lineups for your ZIP code before choosing.
In addition to these popular channels, DIRECTV’s family and kids channel list offers educational networks like Discovery Family and Nat Geo Wild, which provide informative content that promotes learning about the natural world and other subjects.
To Sum Up
There is something for every family member, thanks to the outstanding channel collection that DIRECTV’s satellite connection offers. It offers a comprehensive TV-watching experience that spoils consumers with choice, including everything from general entertainment to sports, movies, news, and international content.
Selecting from various bundles and add-ons allows consumers to tailor their TV service to their needs and budget. DIRECTV via satellite is worth considering if you want a wide selection of channels in one service, but it is sensible to compare current package prices, equipment terms and streaming alternatives before signing up.
How Many Channels Does DIRECTV Have?
DIRECTV’s channel count depends on the package. As of October 2026, DIRECTV’s channel-lineup page lists four Signature packages, each building on the one below it.
| Signature package | Channels (as listed by DIRECTV, October 2026) |
|---|---|
| Entertainment | 90+ channels |
| Choice | 125+ channels |
| Ultimate | 160+ channels |
| Premier | 185+ channels |
DIRECTV also lists included streaming subscriptions with its Signature packages, naming ESPN Unlimited, STARZ, Paramount+ with SHOWTIME, HBO Max Standard, Disney+ and Hulu; the site notes that a Gemini Air device lease is required for some of them. DIRECTV does not show package prices on its lineup page, and prices change, so check the current offer for your address.
Regional sports networks are a common deciding factor: DIRECTV states that regional sports network access through the Sports Pack requires Choice or higher.
What Are DIRECTV Genre Packs?
DIRECTV Genre Packs are smaller, theme-based streaming bundles for viewers who do not want a full Signature package. DIRECTV launched MySports in January 2025 and had added MyEntertainment, MyNews and MiEspañol by April 2025, according to Wikipedia’s DirecTV article. The prices below are those shown on DIRECTV’s Genre Packs page as of October 2026 and may change.
| Genre Pack | Channels | Listed price | Included extra |
|---|---|---|---|
| MySports | 20+ | $64.99/mo regular ($44.99/mo for the first 6 months) | ESPN Unlimited |
| MyEntertainment | 60+ | $42.99/mo + tax | Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max Basic With Ads, AMC+ with ads |
| MyNews | 10+ (locals included) | $44.99/mo ($39.99/mo for the first 2 months) | – |
| MyKids | 10+ | $20.99/mo + tax | Disney+ |
| MiEspañol | 60+ | $37.99/mo ($24.99/mo for the first 2 months) | ViX Premium with ads |
Two add-on mini packs sit on top of Genre Packs: MySports Extra (+8 channels, $13.99/mo) and MyCinema (+10 channels, $10.99/mo + tax).
Which Sports Add-Ons Does DIRECTV Offer?
Beyond the channels in each package, DIRECTV sells several sports add-ons. Its sports add-ons page lists the following as of October 2026:
- DIRECTV Sports Pack: 35+ regional and specialty sports networks, including NFL Network, NFL RedZone from NFL Network, MLB Network, NBA TV and NHL Network. A DIRECTV article dated September 30, 2025 listed it at $14.99 a month and said it is already included with Premier; check the current price.
- NBA League Pass: up to 40 live out-of-market NBA games a week; satellite and streaming.
- NHL Center Ice: up to 40 live out-of-market games a week plus NHL Network; satellite only.
- MLB Extra Innings: up to 90 live out-of-market games a week in the regular season; satellite only (streaming customers get MLB.TV instead).
- FOX Soccer Plus: soccer and international sports; satellite only.
Does DIRECTV Still Have NFL Sunday Ticket?
No, not for homes. DIRECTV carried NFL Sunday Ticket exclusively for nearly three decades until the end of the 2022 NFL season. Beginning with the 2023 season, NFL Sunday Ticket moved exclusively to YouTube TV for residential customers in the United States. DIRECTV continues to distribute Sunday Ticket to commercial venues such as bars and restaurants under an agreement with EverPass. Football fans who want to read more about the league’s stars can see our list of the richest NFL players in the world.
DIRECTV Channel Name Changes to Know
Several channels in older DIRECTV channel lists now use different names, which can make a channel look missing when it is not.
| Old name | Current name | When it changed |
|---|---|---|
| MSNBC | MS NOW | November 2025 |
| BBC World News | BBC News | April 3, 2023 |
| Showtime (main channel) | Paramount+ with Showtime | January 8, 2024 |
| Max (streaming service) | HBO Max | Rollout began July 9, 2025 |
| DIRECTV Stream (brand) | Merged into DIRECTV | Announced April 13, 2025 |
DIRECTV at a Glance
- Launched: June 17, 1994, by Hughes Electronics.
- Ownership: AT&T bought DIRECTV on July 24, 2015, for $67.1 billion; AT&T spun it off with TPG taking a 30% stake in a deal that closed on August 2, 2021; TPG took full ownership on July 2, 2025, after buying AT&T’s remaining 70% stake for $7.6 billion.
- Headquarters: El Segundo, California.
- Dish merger: DIRECTV announced plans to acquire Dish on September 30, 2024, but abandoned the deal after opposition from EchoStar bondholders.
- Satellite and streaming: DIRECTV is sold both via satellite and as an internet streaming service; some add-ons, such as NHL Center Ice and MLB Extra Innings, are satellite only.
How to Choose the Right DIRECTV Package
- List the channels you actually watch. Check each one against the lineup for your ZIP code, using current channel names (for example MS NOW rather than MSNBC).
- Decide between a Signature package and a Genre Pack. A Genre Pack such as MyNews or MyKids can be enough for viewers with one main interest.
- Check sports needs. Regional sports networks through the Sports Pack require Choice or higher, and some out-of-market packages are satellite only.
- Choose satellite or streaming. Streaming needs a reliable home connection; our guide on how to choose the right internet service explains what to look for.
- Compare the full monthly cost. Add premium channels, add-ons, equipment and taxes, and note when promotional prices end. It also helps to weigh the advantages of cable TV against satellite and streaming.
- Match the screen to the service. If you are upgrading your set at the same time, see how to choose the right TV for your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many channels are in DIRECTV’s packages?
DIRECTV lists Entertainment with 90+ channels, Choice with 125+, Ultimate with 160+ and Premier with 185+, as of October 2026. Genre Packs are smaller, ranging from 10+ to 60+ channels.
Which DIRECTV package includes regional sports networks?
DIRECTV states that regional sports network access requires the Choice package or higher. The Sports Pack add-on adds out-of-market regional and specialty sports networks.
Can I get NFL Sunday Ticket on DIRECTV?
Not as a home subscriber. NFL Sunday Ticket moved exclusively to YouTube TV for US residential customers starting with the 2023 NFL season, while DIRECTV still supplies it to commercial venues.
What is the cheapest way to get DIRECTV?
The Genre Packs are DIRECTV’s smallest bundles; MyKids was listed at $20.99 a month plus tax as of October 2026. DIRECTV also lists a free tier, MyFree DIRECTV. Prices and promotions change, so check DIRECTV’s site for your address.
Why can’t I find MSNBC on DIRECTV?
MSNBC rebranded as MS NOW in November 2025, so it appears under the new name in current lineups. Similarly, BBC World News became BBC News in April 2023.
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