YouTube TV Dispute Leaves NHL Fans in the Dark

Los Angeles, CA — YouTube TV subscribers are still waiting for an update on the ongoing dispute with ESPN. As a result, NHL fans can’t watch live hockey games on YouTube TV, leaving many frustrated with the situation. The current blackout started on October 31, when Disney’s contract with YouTube TV expired.

The dispute centers around the terms of a new carriage agreement. Google, which owns YouTube TV, claims that ESPN is asking for excessive carriage fees. Meanwhile, Disney insists that YouTube TV is seeking better rates than its competitors.

The situation benefits subscribers of other streaming services. Options like fuboTV and Hulu + Live TV include ESPN Unlimited, allowing fans to watch NHL games. FuboTV, for example, offers a range of over 230 channels, including ESPN channels, and allows unlimited cloud DVR storage. New users can start with a free trial, which has made it attractive for those affected by the blackout.

Furthermore, ESPN Unlimited is available as a standalone subscription for $29.99 per month. This option provides access to a majority of NHL games, alongside college football, making it a viable alternative for die-hard sports fans.

As negotiations continue, there is growing concern that the blackout may affect customer loyalty, prompting some users to consider switching services. According to reports, negotiations between the two companies have been tense and unsuccessful thus far, leaving approximately 10 million households without ESPN networks.

With both services looking to protect their interests, the future remains uncertain. It remains to be seen how long fans will be left in the dark and if an agreement will be reached soon.