YouTube TV and Disney Reach Deal to Restore Channels

LOS ANGELES, CA — YouTube TV and Disney have reached an agreement to restore Disney-owned channels like ABC and ESPN to the popular streaming service after a two-week standoff. The deal was announced on Friday, resolving a dispute that began on October 31.

The blackout resulted in the absence of live sporting events, including crucial college football games and two episodes of Monday Night Football, for YouTube TV’s 10 million subscribers. YouTube released a statement expressing relief about the agreement, stating, “We’re happy to share that we’ve reached an agreement with Disney that preserves the value of our service for our subscribers.”

Subscribers can expect channels such as ABC, ESPN, and FX to return to their service throughout the day, along with restored access to previous recordings in their library. YouTube also apologized for the disruption and thanked its subscribers for their patience during negotiations.

Disney executives, including ABC and ESPN leaders, also expressed satisfaction with the deal. In a joint statement, they said the agreement reflects “how audiences choose to watch” and ensures fans can enjoy programming options, particularly for college football over the weekend.

As part of the agreement, YouTube TV will provide ESPN’s full lineup, including content from ESPN Unlimited, at no additional cost to base-plan subscribers by the end of 2026. Disney will also allow YouTube to offer the Disney+ and Hulu bundle in select packages in the future.

This dispute followed a pattern of similar conflicts between YouTube TV and other media companies, highlighting the ongoing tension over programming fees. Previous disputes have involved NBCUniversal and Univision, leading to concerns over rising costs in the pay-TV market. The main sticking point in recent negotiations was the high carriage fee Disney charges for its networks, particularly ESPN.

Both parties are optimistic about future collaborations, with YouTube signaling flexibility in program offerings with Disney. However, the resolution of this standoff remains crucial for maintaining viewership and subscriber satisfaction amidst a rapidly changing media landscape.