YouTube TV subscribers can finally breathe a sigh of relief. After weeks of uncertainty, YouTube has officially confirmed that it reached a new carriage agreement with Disney, restoring major channels such as ABC, ESPN, FX, Nat Geo, and more to its live TV streaming lineup.
YouTube posted the update on social media, noting that affected channels will begin reappearing throughout the day. The company thanked users for their patience during the blackout.
What Happened Between YouTube TV and Disney?
The dispute began when licensing negotiations between Google (YouTube’s parent company) and Disney broke down, leading to a complete blackout of Disney-owned networks on YouTube TV late last month. The blackout affected popular channels including:
- ESPN
- ABC
- FX and FXX
- Disney Channel
- National Geographic
During the dispute, Google issued a $20 credit to subscribers as compensation while assuring users that negotiations were ongoing.
YouTube said it was attempting to strike a “fair” deal with Disney without increasing subscription costs or reducing customer choice. Disney, however, claimed that Google refused to pay a reasonable rate for high-value content.
Disney’s Response
Disney pushed back strongly against Google’s statements, arguing that YouTube TV—backed by a company with a market valuation above $3 trillion—was using its size to negotiate below industry-standard terms.
The company also encouraged consumers to pressure YouTube TV to settle the dispute. Even ESPN’s Scott Van Pelt shared links to Disney’s outreach page urging customers to take action.
According to reports, Disney requested that ABC be temporarily restored for Election Day coverage. YouTube declined, saying restoring the channel for a short period would confuse customers if it disappeared again soon after.
Concerns About Future Blackouts?
If the conflict has made you nervous about future channel disputes, there are several reliable alternatives to consider. Some live TV platforms offer strong sports coverage, while others provide cheaper packages or broader entertainment lineups.
Top YouTube TV Alternatives
Hulu + Live TV
A robust all-in-one streaming option combining live channels, on-demand content, and Hulu Originals.
Fubo
A great choice for sports fans, offering strong coverage of leagues and regional sports networks.
Sling TV
A flexible live TV option with affordable plans, though it lacks some local channels.
DirecTV Stream
Offers a reliable viewing experience with a large channel lineup, but at a higher price than competitors.
Original Issue: What Sparked the Breakdown?
YouTube TV subscribers initially lost access to Disney-owned channels after both companies failed to renew their licensing agreement. Google criticized Disney for proposing terms it said would raise subscription prices and “limit consumer choice,” while Disney accused Google of underpaying compared to other TV distributors.
The dispute was complicated further by Disney’s expanded presence in the streaming industry. The company recently closed a $220 million deal leading to a 70% stake in Fubo, as part of a settlement of a previous lawsuit involving the discontinued Venu sports streaming venture.
YouTube TV Pricing and DVR Impact
YouTube TV’s base plan already sits at $82.99 per month, a price increase introduced nearly a year ago. The service warned users that any recordings of Disney-owned content stored in their DVR libraries would be removed during the blackout. If the agreement holds long-term, subscribers should regain access to past recordings.