Sling TV, the popular live TV streaming service owned by DISH Network, has started a price increase on certain plans, raising the cost by $4 per month for some subscribers. This adjustment brings the affected package to $49.99 monthly, marking another shift in the ongoing trend of rising costs among streaming providers. Also, the Orange and Blue package is going up to $64.99, up from $60.99.
Update: Sling TV has supplied the following details:
- Sling Blue with all three of ABC/NBC/Fox: Was $5 for locals, now $9/mo.
- Sling Blue with one or two of ABC/NBC/Fox: Was $0 for locals, now $4/mo.
- Sling Select with all three of ABC/NBC/Fox: Pricing has not changed: $19.99 for no locals, $24.99 for 1-2, and $29.99 for all 3
The price hike will impact current customers on their next bill after February 20th, 2026, and new customers starting today.
The change appears inconsistent across the Sling TV user base. Certain customers have received notifications about the upcoming or immediate hike, while others have not seen any alerts or adjustments to their billing. This discrepancy has led to confusion among subscribers trying to understand the full scope of the update. Reports indicate that the increase primarily impacts plans that include local channels, such as select versions of the Blue package, which offers access to networks like Fox, NBC, and ABC in eligible markets, along with a broader lineup of entertainment and news channels.
Verification efforts have shown mixed pricing displays on the official Sling TV website. In some checks, the Blue package is listed at the new rate of $49.99, even in situations where local channels are not available to the viewer. Meanwhile, the Orange package, which focuses on sports content including ESPN and Disney networks with streaming limited to one device at a time, remains available at $45.99. This variation suggests the hike may not apply uniformly to all base plans or all regions, adding to the uncertainty.
The streaming industry has seen frequent price adjustments in recent years due to escalating programming fees, content acquisition expenses, and operational costs. Sling TV’s previous notable increase occurred in late 2024, when base plans rose by $5.99, bringing Orange and Blue to $45.99 each and the combined Orange + Blue bundle to around $60.99. The current $4 adjustment on specific configurations represents a smaller but targeted change, possibly tied to enhancements or added value in local broadcast access for qualifying areas.
Subscribers without local channels in their lineup may continue to see the lower rate on certain packages, while those in markets with available locals face the higher pricing. This tiered approach aligns with how Sling structures its offerings, where Blue often carries a premium in regions with over-the-air network inclusion to cover retransmission fees and licensing.
For now, the situation remains somewhat unclear regarding the exact criteria determining who receives the increase. Some users report seeing the change reflected in their account dashboards or during signup attempts, while others encounter the original pricing without interruption. The rollout seems selective, potentially based on factors like geographic location, existing add-ons, or subscription history.
As more details emerge, the full picture of the price adjustment will become clearer. In the meantime, the development underscores the challenges cord-cutters face in maintaining budget-friendly access to live television. With streaming services continuing to adjust rates to offset rising expenses, consumers are encouraged to review their current plans and explore available options, including promotional offers or prepay deals that can sometimes lock in lower rates temporarily.
This latest move by Sling TV highlights the evolving landscape of live TV streaming, where value, channel availability, and cost remain in constant flux. Subscribers affected by the change may need to weigh whether the service still fits their viewing needs or if alternatives better align with their budgets amid these incremental increases.
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