YouTube TV Subscribers Lose Access to Disney Content Amid Dispute

NEW YORK — Disney content has gone dark on YouTube TV, leaving subscribers of the Google-owned live streaming platform without access to major networks like ESPN and ABC. This blackout follows the expiration of a licensing agreement between YouTube TV and Disney at midnight on Thursday.

The dispute is centered on the per-subscriber fee that YouTube TV is willing to pay Disney for access to its channels. As a result, fans may miss out on significant college football games scheduled for this weekend, including matchups involving top-ranked teams.

YouTube TV has around 10 million subscribers, making it the fourth-largest TV distributor in the U.S. According to Disney, YouTube TV has refused to pay fair rates for its channels, stating it is denying subscribers the content they value most.

“Unfortunately, Google’s YouTube TV has chosen to deny their subscribers the content they value most,” Disney stated. “We know how frustrating this is for YouTube TV subscribers and remain committed to working toward a resolution as quickly as possible.”

Conversely, YouTube TV claims that Disney used the threat of a blackout as a negotiating tactic to increase prices for customers. They argue that this strategy unfairly benefits Disney’s own streaming services.

“They’re now following through on that threat, suspending their content on YouTube TV,” the service’s spokesperson said. “If their content remains off YouTube TV for an extended period, we’ll offer subscribers a $20 credit.”

As the dispute unfolds, subscribers are left without access to a wide range of channels, including ESPN, ABC, Nat Geo, and several regional sports networks. Alternatives like Hulu, Disney+, and ESPN’s own platforms are available, but they come at an additional cost.

YouTube TV’s base subscription plan costs $82.99 per month. The service is attempting to negotiate a new agreement with Disney to restore the channels promptly.

In previous disputes, such as a similar issue in 2021, both companies managed to reach an agreement quickly to restore service. However, the current impasse highlights ongoing challenges in the streaming industry as companies negotiate terms and maintain competitive pricing.