Google’s YouTube TV and Walt Disney have reached an agreement to restore Disney’s networks on the streaming platform, ending weeks of disruption that left millions of subscribers without access to major live sports and U.S. Election Day coverage.
The agreement means that Disney-owned channels such as ABC, ESPN, FX, and National Geographic will return to YouTube TV starting Friday. YouTube confirmed that ESPN’s full sports lineup, including ESPN Unlimited, will be available to base-plan subscribers at no extra cost through the end of 2026.
The blackout, which began on October 30, disrupted viewing for high-profile programming, including Monday Night Football and election coverage, highlighting the impact of carriage fee disputes on consumers.
Background: The fee dispute
The standoff centered around carriage fees the per-subscriber rates distributors pay networks. Reports indicated Disney sought rates similar to those paid by other major providers, around $10 per subscriber per month for ESPN.
Walt Disney CEO Bob Iger said the company had proposed a deal “equal to or better than what other large distributors have already agreed to,” emphasizing fairness in negotiations.
YouTube TV, leveraging Google’s financial strength and rapid growth, held firm, rejecting a temporary one-day return of Disney channels for Election Day, citing customer confusion concerns.
Impact on subscribers
During the blackout, subscribers missed key programming, including sports events and election coverage. YouTube had offered a $20 credit if the Disney networks remained unavailable for an extended period.
Affected channels included FX, National Geographic, Nat Geo Wild, Disney Channel, and ABC News Live. The dispute also raised investor concerns about Disney’s declining cable TV business, even as its streaming and theme parks divisions grew.
YouTube TV has previously navigated similar disputes, successfully retaining access to Fox, Paramount, and NBCUniversal networks after challenging negotiations.
Both companies refrained from disclosing financial details, but the resolution marks a significant win for subscribers and stabilizes the platform’s content lineup ahead of major sports seasons.
