New York, Oct. 31 — Millions of YouTube TV subscribers across the United States lost access to Disney-owned networks — including ABC and ESPN — late Wednesday night after contract renewal talks between Google and Disney collapsed over pricing issues.
Viewers began reporting outages as much as 30 minutes before the previous carriage agreement expired at midnight ET. YouTube TV later confirmed the blackout, stating that Disney is demanding rate increases the company is unwilling to accept.
What Subscribers Lost
The blackout affects:
Local ABC stations
ESPN sports coverage, including NFL, college football, NBA, and NHL
Popular entertainment networks such as FX, Freeform, and Disney Channel
In addition, YouTube TV is removing DVR recordings tied to those networks, creating further frustration among subscribers.
YouTube TV’s Response
In a statement, Google said Disney is using the threat of a blackout as leverage.
“Disney is suspending their content on YouTube TV, directly harming our subscribers,” a company spokesperson said. “We continue to urge Disney to reach a fair agreement.”
If the dispute stretches on, YouTube TV promises a one-time $20 credit for impacted customers. The platform’s base plan currently costs $82.99 per month.
Disney’s Position
Disney argues that YouTube TV wants better terms than other distributors, including Comcast and Charter — companies with even larger customer bases.
“Google is refusing to pay fair market rates,” a Disney spokesperson said, adding that ESPN’s extensive live sports lineup remains a major draw for viewers.
Disney claims it offered packaging flexibility with genre-based tiers to help manage costs — but Google declined.
Market Competition Adds Pressure
The timing of the dispute is notable: Disney recently merged Hulu + Live TV with Fubo, positioning itself as a stronger competitor against YouTube TV. Combined, those platforms total nearly six million North American subscribers, compared to YouTube TV’s estimated 10 million.
Critics argue that Google’s market power — supported by its $3 trillion valuation — may be influencing negotiation dynamics.
A Growing Industry Pattern
This isn’t Disney’s first carriage fight:
In 2024, ESPN and other Disney channels went dark on DirecTV for nearly two weeks.
In 2023, Disney clashed with Charter before reaching an agreement.
In similar fashion, Disney and Google reached a last-minute arrangement after a two-day blackout in 2021.
Other media giants — NBCUniversal, Paramount Global, and Fox — have also faced tense negotiations with Google this year.
Networks Going Dark
The dropped channels include: ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPNews, ACC Network, SEC Network, FX, FXX, Freeform, Nat Geo, Disney Channel, Disney Junior, Disney XD, ABC News Live, Localish, Nat Geo Wild, FXM
Spanish tier: ESPN Deportes, Nat Geo Mundo, Baby TV Español
Complicating Factor: Corporate Rivalry
Adding intrigue to the standoff:
Justin Connolly, formerly Disney’s head of distribution, joined YouTube this year.
Disney sued to block his employment, citing sensitive knowledge related to renewal negotiations.
After an early legal defeat, both sides recently settled the case.
Impact on Viewers
For sports fans — especially with a weekend heavy on college football — the timing couldn’t be worse. ABC holds broadcast rights for several top-25 teams.
Meanwhile, YouTube TV subscribers are left wondering how long they’ll be without marquee games and local programming.
What’s Next
Negotiations reportedly remain active. Historically, both companies have found last-minute compromises under similar pressure.
Until then, millions of viewers are stuck in the middle of a high-stakes corporate showdown — one increasingly common in America’s shifting streaming landscape.