DirecTV said on Monday that it had agreed to acquire Dish Network in a deal that would create one of the largest pay-TV providers in the US.

DirecTV and Dish together are now the largest MVPD in the U.S., giving them more leverage over Disney in carriage negotiations.

DirecTV and Dish have agreed to combine in a deal that will create the biggest pay-TV provider in the US with about 18 million subscribers.Under the terms of the transaction, DirecTV will acquire Dish TV and Sling TV from EchoStar Corp.