Disney Deal Defuses Dispute with YouTube TV
Google’s YouTube TV and The Walt Disney Company have finally reached an agreement, bringing all Disney-owned channels back to the platform after several weeks of disruption, according to a Reuters report.
Disney’s channels had gone dark on the United States’ leading pay-TV service since 30 October due to a disagreement over carriage fees. The blackout prevented viewers from accessing key election-period broadcasts and major live sporting events.
Following the deal, all Disney networks—including ABC, ESPN, FX, and National Geographic—have been restored on YouTube TV. The platform also announced that by the end of 2026, “ESPN Unlimited,” along with all ESPN sports programming, will be made available to base-plan subscribers at no additional cost.
Neither Disney nor YouTube disclosed the financial terms of the agreement. However, CNBC previously reported that Disney had sought a fee of roughly USD 10 per subscriber per month for ESPN, aligning with what it charges other major distributors.
YouTube TV’s rapid rise in popularity, combined with Google’s financial strength, has given the platform added leverage in negotiations. Disney stated that it had offered YouTube TV the same or even better terms than those given to other distributors.
During the dispute, viewers were unable to watch several major sporting events, including “Monday Night Football.” As compensation, YouTube TV had announced a USD 20 credit for customers if channels remained unavailable for an extended period.
Previously, YouTube TV had also renewed agreements with Fox, Paramount, and NBCUniversal after similarly intense negotiations.
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