3 min read
Google’s YouTube and Walt Disney have finally reached an agreement that restores all Disney-owned networks to YouTube TV. The blackout lasted for weeks and disrupted major events, including U.S. Election Day coverage and key live sports broadcasts. The companies announced the deal on Friday, ending a tense negotiation period that frustrated millions of subscribers.
Disney Channels Return to YouTube
The full lineup of Disney channels returned today. This includes ABC, ESPN, FX, National Geographic, Nat Geo Wild, Disney Channel, and ABC News Live. These networks had gone dark on October 30 because of a carriage fee dispute. The disagreement centred on per-subscriber rates that distributors pay to carry broadcast and cable networks.
As previously reported and covered by TechJuice, Disney sought rates similar to those paid by major distributors, including nearly $10 per subscriber per month for ESPN. However, both companies declined to share the final financial details. Disney did not respond to questions about the terms, and YouTube stated it would not disclose the deal.
ESPN Content Expands for Subscribers
YouTube confirmed that ESPN’s full sports lineup, including content from ESPN Unlimited, will be available to all base-plan subscribers at no additional cost by the end of 2026. This shift could boost subscriber satisfaction after weeks of limited access to live sports.
Meanwhile, Disney CEO Bob Iger insisted that Disney had offered YouTube TV a deal equal to or better than what other large distributors have already agreed to. His comments highlighted the ongoing tension between both companies as they fought over fair terms.
Blackout Disrupted Key Events
The dispute caused viewers to miss several major broadcasts. Fans could not watch the November 3 “Monday Night Football” game between the Arizona Cardinals and Dallas Cowboys. Additionally, Disney asked YouTube TV to restore ABC for U.S. Election Day coverage on November 4. YouTube refused, arguing that a one-day return would confuse customers.
Both sides accused each other of using aggressive tactics. YouTube claimed Disney used the threat of a blackout to force terms that would raise prices for customers. Disney countered that YouTube demanded preferential, lower rates and rejected terms accepted by Hulu + Live TV and Fubo.
During the blackout, YouTube TV said it would offer subscribers a $20 credit if the interruption continued for an extended period.
YouTube TV Navigates Multiple High-Stakes Negotiations
This dispute comes as YouTube TV continues to grow rapidly in the U.S. pay-TV market. The platform’s expansion, supported by Google’s financial strength, has given it stronger leverage in negotiations with media companies. This also allows YouTube TV to operate with less short-term financial pressure than traditional cable services.
However, it has also led to frequent clashes. YouTube TV recently struck a deal with NBC Universal to keep major shows like “Sunday Night Football” and “America’s Got Talent”. Earlier this year, it also navigated tense negotiations with Fox and Paramount, successfully retaining access to their networks.
Investors had feared a prolonged fight with Disney, especially as the company’s cable TV revenue continued to decline. Disney recently missed quarterly revenue expectations, with cable weakness overshadowing strong results from its streaming and parks divisions.
With today’s agreement, YouTube TV users can finally regain access to Disney’s full suite of networks just as both companies work to stabilise their positions in a rapidly shifting media landscape.
