Disney channels back on YouTube TV after weeks of dispute
What's the story
Disney and YouTube TV have finally resolved their two-week-long standoff. The agreement, announced on Friday, will see Disney's networks, ESPN, ABC, FX, Disney Channel, Freeform, and Nat Geo, return to the internet TV service. The deal comes after a previous contract expired without a new one in place. Disney's channels were removed from YouTube TV just before midnight ET on October 30 due to disagreements over pricing and terms for a renewed carriage deal.
Agreement details
New deal to benefit YouTube TV subscribers and Disney
The new agreement will allow YouTube TV base-plan subscribers to access ESPN's full sports lineup, including content from ESPN Unlimited, at no extra cost until the end of 2026. A selection of live and on-demand programming from ESPN Unlimited will also be available within YouTube TV. The deal also allows YouTube to include the Disney+ and Hulu bundle in "select YouTube offerings."
Joint statement
Disney and YouTube TV executives expressed satisfaction with agreement
Disney Entertainment co-chairmen Alan Bergman and Dana Walden, along with ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro, issued a joint statement saying the new agreement reflects their commitment to delivering exceptional entertainment. "It recognizes the tremendous value of Disney's programming and provides YouTube TV subscribers with more flexibility and choice," they said. A YouTube spokesperson also expressed satisfaction with the deal, stating it preserves the value of their service for subscribers while allowing future flexibility in offers.
Past contract
Disney and YouTube TV's previous agreement
The new deal replaces their previous distribution agreement, signed in December 2021 after a blackout. During the recent standoff, many YouTube TV subscribers canceled their accounts out of frustration. A survey conducted last week found that 24% of YouTube TV users had canceled or planned to cancel their accounts due to the Disney blackout. Despite this, a YouTube representative stated that subscriber churn has been manageable and does not align with survey findings.
Financial impact
Disney's financial loss during the blackout and negotiations
Disney reportedly lost over $4 million per day during the blackout, according to estimates by Morgan Stanley analysts. The dispute was fueled by conflicting claims over pricing. Google alleged that Disney was demanding an unprecedented fee increase for its channels, while Disney accused the tech giant of refusing to pay fair rates.
Other disputes
Disney's other tough negotiations amid transition to ESPN Unlimited
Disney has faced other tough negotiations with distributors during its transition to ESPN Unlimited, a standalone streaming service launched in August. In 2023, Disney's networks experienced a 10-day blackout on Charter Communications cable systems over price disputes. To settle this deal, Disney allowed Charter's high-tier TV subscribers access to Disney+ and the ESPN+ streaming app. In 2024, ESPN and other Disney nets went dark on DirecTV for nearly two weeks before reaching a new deal.