ESPN expresses concern about Verizon's new TV packages

NEW YORK (AP) -- ESPN is expressing concern that new television packages being offered by Verizon do not comply with its existing agreements.

Verizon launched FiOS Custom TV on Sunday. The base package, which costs about $55, has more than 35 channels - such as AMC, CNN and Food Network - plus two additional themed channel packs. The offer does not include internet service.

But the channels included in the base package do not include ESPN or ESPN2. Those channels are available through a sports themed channel pack.

ESPN said in a statement that Verizon's new packages "would not be authorized by our existing agreements."

It says "our contracts clearly provide that neither ESPN nor ESPN2 may be distributed in a separate sports package."

Verizon did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

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