Creditors to US satellite television firm Dish Network plan to block a distressed exchange that’s a key part of its tie-up with rival DirecTV, according to people familiar with the matter.

The deal, which is subject to regulatory approval, would create one of the largest pay-TV distributors in the U.S. The companies were blocked in an attempt to merge in 2002.

DirecTV and Dish Network are merging in an effort to combat their many streaming rivals. “DIRECTV operates in a highly