Google’s YouTube TV and Walt Disney have reached an agreement to restore Disney’s networks on the streaming platform. The deal ends weeks of disruption that left millions of subscribers without access to major live sports and U.S. Election Day coverage.
Starting Friday, Disney-owned channels including ABC, ESPN, FX, and National Geographic will return to YouTube TV. ESPN’s full sports lineup, including ESPN Unlimited, will be available to base-plan subscribers at no extra cost through the end of 2026.
The blackout began on October 30 and disrupted high-profile programming such as Monday Night Football and election coverage. The incident highlighted the impact of carriage fee disputes on streaming subscribers.
The dispute centered on carriage fees, which are the per-subscriber rates paid by distributors to networks. Reports suggested Disney requested rates similar to those paid by other major providers, around $10 per subscriber per month for ESPN. Walt Disney CEO Bob Iger said the company proposed a deal “equal to or better than what other large distributors have already agreed to,” emphasizing fairness in negotiations.
YouTube TV leveraged Google’s financial strength and rapid growth, rejecting a temporary one-day return of Disney channels on Election Day. The platform cited potential confusion for subscribers as a reason for holding firm.
During the blackout, subscribers missed key shows, sports events, and election coverage. YouTube offered a $20 credit to subscribers if Disney networks remained unavailable for an extended period. Channels affected included FX, National Geographic, Nat Geo Wild, Disney Channel, and ABC News Live.
The resolution stabilizes YouTube TV’s content lineup ahead of major sports seasons and reassures subscribers. Both companies did not disclose financial terms. YouTube TV has previously resolved similar disputes with Fox, Paramount, and NBCUniversal, successfully retaining access to those networks after lengthy negotiations.
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This agreement is a win for subscribers, ensuring uninterrupted access to Disney’s channels while underscoring the importance of fair negotiations in the evolving streaming industry.
