YouTube TV and Disney appear close on ESPN and ABC deal, but other channels could stay dark | Tom’s
Alphabet and Disney reached a new deal on Friday to bring ABC and ESPN back to YouTube TV. The two sides settled a dispute that lasted two weeks and started on Oct. 31. The blackout affected live sports, including college football and two Monday Night Football games.
YouTube said the agreement protects the value of its service and keeps room for new offers. The company said subscribers will see ABC, ESPN and FX return through the day. Recordings stored in the Library will return as well.
Disney executives Alan Bergman, Dana Walden and Jimmy Pitaro said the deal matches how viewers watch shows and sports today. They said fans will now get full access as the weekend schedule begins.
More than 20 Disney channels were pulled from YouTube TV during the dispute. The service gave customers $20 credits this week. Channels that went dark included NatGeo, Disney Channel and Freeform.
The main issue was the price Disney charges for its networks. ESPN’s carriage fee is more than $10 a month per pay-TV subscriber. This is the highest in the U.S.
This was not the first clash this year between YouTube and older media groups. NBCUniversal nearly pulled its channels in October. Fox channels also came close to a blackout in August before a deal was reached.
YouTube said it can add new program packages with Disney and other partners in the future. Disney said YouTube TV subscribers will gain access to ESPN Unlimited by the end of 2026 at no added cost. This bundle includes ESPN+ content and new shows from its wider digital service.
Google and Disney Set New Deal to Bring ABC and ESPN Back to YouTube TV
#Google #Disney #YouTubeTV #ESPN #ABCReturns