TV standoff ends: AT&T and Tegna reach deal bringing channels back to DirecTV in 51 markets across US

Just ahead of kickoff on Sunday NFL games, AT&T reached a deal bringing Tegna’s 64 stations back to DirecTV.

The two companies had a standoff of more than two weeks that resulted in the removal of Tegna's stations in 51 markets across the U.S. from AT&T's satellite TV service, as well as AT&T U-verse and the AT&T TV streaming service.

Cities affected include Atlanta, Charlotte, Cleveland, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Indianapolis, Minneapolis, New Orleans, Phoenix, Seattle, St. Louis, Tampa and Washington.

The companies did not disclose the terms of the new multi-year agreement but said in a statement: "AT&T and TEGNA regret any inconvenience to their customers and viewers and thank them for their patience."

All Tegna stations will return Sunday to the services in the affected markets, the companies said. 

AT&T has about 17.8 million pay TV subscribers across its services. DirecTV has about 13.6 million subscribers, according to the Leichtman Research Group.

As the news spread on Twitter, reactions were mixed. Some were just happy to get stations back, but others criticized the companies for taking so long.

"Only cost us three weeks of local nfl games. Thanks a lot! We're in the middle of a pandemic with sports being one of a few outlets and you're all arguing over money. Pathetic," said one Twitter post.

Follow Mike Snider on Twitter: @MikeSnider.