Disney–YouTube TV strike deal, ending two‑week blackout
After a 15‑day carriage dispute, YouTube TV restored access to Disney channels including ESPN and ABC following a new agreement that also protects subscriber value.
Disney and YouTube TV have resolved a carriage dispute that led to a blackout of over 20 Disney‑owned channels, including ESPN and ABC, on YouTube TV. The agreement restores full access and ensures ESPN’s full suite, including ESPN Unlimited, will be available to basic subscribers by the end of 2026 at no extra cost.
What We Know
On October 30, Disney’s contractual agreement with YouTube TV expired at 11:59 PM ET, prompting the removal of more than 20 channels—such as ABC, ESPN (and its subchannels), FX, NatGeo, Freeform, SEC and ACC Networks—from the platform. The impasse lasted approximately two weeks, affecting live sports, news, and entertainment programming for millions of subscribers.
During the blackout, Google offered a $20 credit to affected YouTube TV subscribers, though users had to manually claim it and it applied only to the next billing cycle. Subscribers billed through third‑party platforms got the credit automatically.
Analysts estimated Disney lost about $4.3 million per day—or $30 million per week—due to the blackout.
On November 14, a new carriage agreement was reached. Full restoration of Disney’s channel lineup began immediately, including previously recorded content.
Beyond channel restoration, the agreement covers ESPN’s full programming slate—including ESPN Unlimited—for base‑plan subscribers, at no additional cost, to the end of 2026.
Why It Means
The blackout underscored the fragility of streaming rights agreements in a competitive content landscape. Millions of users lost access to critical live coverage, particularly of college football and other major sports, at a pivotal moment leading into the U.S. elections.
For Disney, the blackout had a notable financial hit, adding pressure to its traditional cable business even as its streaming services grow. For YouTube TV, the resolution helps maintain its value proposition and subscriber trust, albeit with potential price pressures.
The Backstory
This blackout is part of a recurring cycle of carriage disputes between Disney and distributors. A similar blackout in 2021 lasted less than two days; this latest impasse lasted significantly longer and drew sharper public attention.
What’s Next
With the deal finalized, subscribers can expect Disney content—including live and on‑demand programming—to flow uninterrupted on YouTube TV. The forward‑looking performance hinges on how both sides manage future negotiations, especially around contentious sports and news content.
The added benefit of ESPN Unlimited within the base plan through 2026 may influence subscriber retention and future pricing dynamics in the evolving streaming ecosystem.
