This would be an issue no matter what the channel. That is just the nature of having options. I mean, if you carry HBO, will they not let you sign up with Showtime? If that were really a problem, then every provider could only have one channel, because any more than one, you would be taking away eyeballs.
Are any of the locals dropping Direct because they have ST? I don't think so, and it seems like Dish has had more disputes than Direct, and they are giving the locals the full blast of viewers for their football games. In the end, maybe it will be a reason to demand increased rates on the part of the networks (like a bargaining chip or something), but they will not stop Dish or any other company from signing up for ST.