YouTube TV subscribers are currently unable to access popular Disney channels, including ESPN and ABC, following the expiration of a carriage agreement on March 14, 2024. The lack of a new licensing deal has sparked a blackout that could particularly disrupt coverage of significant sporting events, including U.S. college football, NBA, and NFL games, as well as other entertainment programming.
The situation arose when negotiations between Disney and YouTube TV failed to yield an agreement. YouTube TV claims that Disney is seeking terms that would impose higher costs on its subscribers. Google, which owns YouTube TV, accuses Disney of using the blackout as a negotiating tactic that also benefits its own streaming platforms like Hulu + Live TV.
On the other hand, Disney asserts that YouTube TV is refusing to pay fair rates for its channels. Disney has criticized Google for allegedly leveraging its market dominance to undermine industry standards that the company has successfully negotiated with other distributors.
Channels Affected by the Blackout
Among the channels no longer available to YouTube TV subscribers are some of Disney’s most significant offerings. This includes:
1. ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPNews, and ESPN Deportes (Spanish Plan)
2. ABC and ABC News Live
3. Nat Geo, Nat Geo Wild, and Nat Geo Mundo (Spanish Plan)
4. Disney Channel, Disney Junior, and Disney XD
5. FX, FXX, and FXM
6. SEC Network and ACC Network
7. Freeform
8. Localish
9. Baby TV Español (Spanish Plan)
Google also stated that add-ons like 4K Plus and Spanish Plus are impacted by the blackout.
For those seeking to watch Disney’s sports programming, alternatives include ESPN’s own streaming service, launched earlier this year, which starts at $29.99 per month. Other Disney content can be accessed through platforms such as Hulu, Disney+, and Fubo, each requiring separate subscriptions. Disney offers a bundle of ESPN, Hulu, and Disney+ for $35.99 per month, with a first-year promotional rate of $29.99.
YouTube TV has stated it will provide subscribers with a $20 credit if the blackout continues for an extended period. The current base subscription for YouTube TV is $82.99 per month, which also includes access to channels like NBC, CBS, and Fox, among others.
History of Negotiations and Future Outlook
Both YouTube TV and Disney have acknowledged the frustration surrounding the current disruption, emphasizing their commitment to resolving the issue. The situation reflects a growing trend of licensing disputes affecting consumer access to content. As viewers increasingly shift from traditional cable to streaming platforms, negotiations over carriage agreements have become more complex.
This is not the first instance of conflict between YouTube TV and Disney. In 2021, subscribers experienced a similar blackout, which lasted less than two days before an agreement was reached. Some disputes have been resolved in a matter of hours or through last-minute extensions, as seen in August when YouTube TV secured a temporary agreement with Fox.
As both companies continue negotiations, subscribers are left in limbo, with uncertainty about when, or if, access to Disney channels will be restored. This situation underscores the evolving landscape of media consumption, where access to content often hinges on the outcomes of high-stakes negotiations.
