Disney reaches deal with YouTube TV, ending blackout for customers

Disney and YouTube TV have finally reached a new agreement, bringing channels like ABC and ESPN back to the Google-owned live streaming platform. This new deal comes after a blackout that lasted over two weeks, leaving subscribers without access to Disney content. The Walt Disney Co. announced that their full suite of networks and stations, including ESPN and ABC, are already being restored to YouTube TV subscribers. YouTube TV also confirmed this news, stating that subscribers should see the channels back on their platform throughout the day.

During the blackout, YouTube TV subscribers were missing out on top college football matchups, professional sports games, news, and entertainment programming. Beyond ESPN and ABC, other Disney-owned channels like NatGeo, FX, Freeform, SEC Network, and ACC Network were also removed from YouTube TV.

The negotiation breakdown occurred because Disney was proposing costly terms that would lead to higher prices and fewer choices for YouTube TV subscribers. On the other hand, YouTube TV claimed that Disney was using the blackout as a negotiating tactic. Both sides blamed each other for the disruption and accused one another of unfair practices.

This blackout is part of a growing trend of licensing disputes in the streaming world, affecting consumers when negotiations between companies fail. YouTube TV subscribers previously lost access to all Disney content after contract talks broke down in 2021, but that disruption was resolved in less than two days.

YouTube TV offers a base subscription plan costing $82.99 per month, which includes live TV offerings from networks like NBC, CBS, Fox, and PBS. The platform has also been offering a $20 credit to subscribers during this dispute with Disney. Disney offers its live TV through traditional broadcasting and its own streaming platforms, such as ESPN, Hulu, Disney+, and Fubo. Disney allows bundling of ESPN with Hulu and Disney+ for $35.99 a month, offering viewers flexibility in their programming choices.