White & Case Advises EchoStar on $17 Billion Spectrum Sale to SpaceX

White & Case Advises EchoStar on $17 Billion Spectrum Sale to SpaceX

White & Case has advised EchoStar on its $17 billion spectrum sale to SpaceX, a deal blending $8.5 billion in cash with an equal amount in stock. SpaceX will also cover $2 billion in EchoStar’s interest payments through 2027.

The agreement includes a long-term partnership giving Boost Mobile users access to Starlink’s Direct to Cell service.

EchoStar’s president and CEO, Hamid Akhavan, framed the deal as the realization of a long-standing vision:

“For the past decade, we’ve acquired spectrum and facilitated worldwide 5G spectrum standards and devices, all with the foresight that direct-to-cell connectivity via satellite would change the way the world communicates.”

“This transaction with SpaceX continues our legacy of putting the customer first as it allows for the combination of AWS-4 and H-block spectrum from EchoStar with the rocket launch and satellite capabilities from SpaceX to realize the direct-to-cell vision in a more innovative, economical and faster way for consumers worldwide.”

SpaceX president and COO, Gwynne Shotwell, emphasized the global impact:

“We’re so pleased to be doing this transaction with EchoStar as it will advance our mission to end mobile dead zones around the world.”

White & Case, alongside Steptoe LLP, advised EchoStar, while Gibson Dunn & Crutcher LLP and HWG LLP represented SpaceX.

The White & Case team was led from New York by partners Michael Deyong, Jonathan Michels, Keith Hallam, and Daniel Dufner, with support across capital markets, finance, restructuring, tax, and M&A in the U.S. and London.

The firm has been a consistent adviser to EchoStar, including on its $23 billion spectrum sale to AT&T in 2025, a series of financings in 2024, and the DISH Network merger in 2023.

EchoStar Corporation (Nasdaq: SATS) is a global provider of communications solutions, combining satellite spectrum, broadband services, and 5G technologies. Headquartered in Englewood, Colorado, the company delivers connectivity to consumer, enterprise, government, and mobility clients worldwide. With more than four decades of innovation and $15.8 billion in annual revenue, EchoStar is recognized as a leading force in satellite and wireless integration.

White & Case LLP is a global law firm known for providing high-quality legal services to clients across a broad range of industries. Founded in 1901, the firm has grown to become one of the largest international law firms, with offices in over 40 locations worldwide. White & Case specializes in complex legal matters, including banking and finance, mergers and acquisitions, capital markets, dispute resolution, and regulatory compliance. The firm represents multinational corporations, governments, and financial institutions, offering expertise in cross-border transactions, international litigation, and arbitration. White & Case is renowned for its deep industry knowledge, innovative solutions, and commitment to delivering results for its clients.

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