YouTube TV, Disney End Standoff, Return Channels After Long Blackout

LOS ANGELES, CA — YouTube TV and Disney announced a deal late Friday that ends a nearly two-week blackout of ESPN, ABC, and other channels for subscribers. Millions of users will regain access just in time for the college football games this weekend, including Alabama versus Oklahoma.

The agreement restores Disney’s channels after a stark negotiation period that began when the companies failed to reach a new deal by October 30. Subscribers will now have access to ESPN’s direct-to-consumer service at no extra cost, enhancing the value of YouTube TV’s $80-a-month base plan.

YouTube TV informed customers that the channels would start returning throughout the day, along with previously recorded content. “We apologize for the disruption and appreciate our subscribers’ patience,” a YouTube spokesperson said in the announcement.

Disney executives stated that the new agreement reflects their commitment to providing exceptional entertainment while adapting to evolving audience viewing habits. Disney Entertainment co-chairmen Alan Bergman and Dana Walden, along with ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro, emphasized the renewal affirms the value of their programming.

Prior to this resolution, YouTube TV subscribers missed several major events, including two weeks of college football and “Monday Night Football.” The absence notably impacted viewership ratings for Disney’s channels, which reportedly suffered a decline during the blackout.

The negotiations were reportedly tense, with key figures like Google CEO Sundar Pichai and Disney CEO Bob Iger stepping in to expedite discussions. The talks also included discussions on rate adjustments, reflecting concerns over Disney’s rates for its channels, particularly ESPN.

With a growing subscriber base of over 10 million, YouTube TV positions itself as a major competitor in the streaming industry, aiming to surpass traditional cable operators. The successful resolution is seen as crucial for the platform’s future amid escalating negotiations with other major content providers.

The comprehensive agreement not only restores channels but also includes provisions for future packages, allowing users access to Disney’s streaming services, including Hulu and Disney+, further fortifying YouTube TV’s content lineup.