Millions of Americans who rely on YouTube TV for live sports and popular entertainment channels, including ESPN and ABC, lost access to Disney-owned networks after failed contract negotiations between the companies.
Newsweek has broken down what alternatives are available which show some or all of Disney’s channels.
Why it Matters
The blackout underscores growing tensions in the streaming industry, where disputes over carriage fees are increasingly impacting viewers’ ability to access key content, especially during major live sporting events and at a time when more consumers are turning to streaming platforms in place of traditional cable.
What To Know
The Walt Disney Company’s suite of channels, including ESPN, ABC, Disney Channel, FX, National Geographic and others, were pulled from YouTube TV on Thursday, after the companies failed to reach a new distribution agreement before the previous contract expired at midnight Eastern time.
Both sides issued statements blaming each other for the standoff, which affects over 10 million subscribers nationwide.
YouTubeTV said in a statement on X: “We’ll not agree to terms that disadvantage our members while benefiting Disney’s TV products.”
Meanwhile, Disney said: “Google’s YouTube TV has chosen to deny their subscribers the content they value most by refusing to pay fair rates for our channels, including ESPN and ABC.”
Subscribers lost access to more than 20 Disney-owned channels, as well as associated content in their DVR libraries.
YouTube TV Alternatives for Disney Content
As negotiations continue, subscribers looking to watch ESPN, ABC or other Disney content have several legal and legitimate options:
- Hulu + Live TV: Offers all Disney channels, including ESPN and ABC, as part of its standard package. Disney owns a majority stake in Hulu. A $89.99 subscription includes more than 95 channels.
- Fubo: Provides a comprehensive selection of sports and entertainment channels, including ESPN, ESPN2, ACC. The price is usually $84.99 but Fubo is currently offering $54.99 for the first month after a free trial.
- DirecTV Stream: Similar to Fubo, it includes ESPN and ABC with its “Choice” package and up, suitable for sports fans.
- Sling TV: Offers ESPN and Disney Channel through its Orange and Sports Extra packages, though local channels like ABC may not be universally available—it’s $46 a month.
- ESPN Unlimited and ESPN+: Viewers can subscribe directly for streaming access to live ESPN channels and exclusive content. ESPN Unlimited costs $29.99 per month, with access to ACC, SEC Network, and more.
Internet TV services typically offer free trials or introductory discounts, enabling fans to watch live events legally while assessing alternate options.
What People Are Saying
YouTube TV said in statement on X: “Members, when we renew our contracts with network partners, we advocate for fair pricing to offer you the best TV experience. Our contract with Disney has reached its renewal date, and we’ll not agree to terms that disadvantage our members while benefiting Disney’s TV products.
“Despite our best efforts, we have not been able to reach a fair deal, and starting today, Disney programming will not be available on YouTube TV. This means you will no longer be able to watch channels like ABC and ESPN or access recordings from these networks in your Library.”
Disney told the Hollywood Reporter: “Unfortunately, Google’s YouTube TV has chosen to deny their subscribers the content they value most by refusing to pay fair rates for our channels, including ESPN and ABC.
“Without a new agreement in place, their subscribers will not have access to our programming, which includes the best lineup in live sports—anchored by the NFL, NBA, and college football, with 13 of the top 25 college teams playing this weekend. With a $3 trillion market cap, Google is using its market dominance to eliminate competition and undercut the industry-standard terms we’ve successfully negotiated with every other distributor. We know how frustrating this is for YouTube TV subscribers and remain committed to working toward a resolution as quickly as possible.”
What Happens Next
It is unclear how long the blackout will last, as representatives from both Disney and YouTube TV have publicly stated their intention to continue negotiations. The outcome will affect millions of subscribers, especially sports fans heading into a major college football weekend and the NFL season.
