Archive · 7 Nov 2025
Disney Execs Criticize YouTube TV as Sports Blackout Continues
Imagine your favorite TV channels, like ESPN that shows sports and ABC that shows regular shows, suddenly disappear from your TV.
That's what happened to people who use a service called YouTube TV.
Disney, which owns these channels, and YouTube TV are having a disagreement about how much YouTube TV should pay to show Disney's channels.
Disney says they offered a good deal that would even save YouTube TV money, and that YouTube TV is asking for special treatment.
YouTube TV says they are still talking and hope to fix it.
Because of this fight, people can't watch games like college football on YouTube TV.
Disney executives sent a message to their employees saying they are working hard to get the channels back but it might take longer.
Disney channels, including ESPN and ABC, went dark on YouTube TV on October 30 due to a carriage dispute.
The blackout impacts YouTube TV's 10 million subscribers, especially heading into a weekend with major sporting events like college football.
Disney executives claim they offered YouTube TV a deal that costs less overall and includes innovative programming packages.
Disney alleges YouTube TV is seeking preferential terms that are below market value and has made few concessions.
YouTube TV states that negotiations are ongoing and the distributor remains hopeful about reaching a resolution.
- Who
- Disney executives (Dana Walden, Alan Bergman, Jimmy Pitaro) and YouTube TV
- What
- A carriage dispute leading to Disney's channels being removed from YouTube TV's service.
- When
- The channels went dark on October 30, and the dispute continues as a sports-packed weekend approaches.
- Where
- YouTube TV's service, affecting its 10 million subscribers.
- Why
- Inability to reach terms on a distribution renewal, with Disney stating YouTube TV is seeking preferential terms below market value.
Disney's Position
YouTube TV's Stance
Negotiation Terms
Disney's Position
YouTube TV is seeking preferential, below-market terms and has made few concessions, acting as if it's the only player in the game.
YouTube TV's Stance
Negotiations are continuing, and YouTube TV remains hopeful about reaching a deal, suggesting a willingness to find common ground.
Proposed Deal
Disney's Position
Disney offered a deal with overall lower costs than the expired license, along with innovative, tailored programming packages, and fair terms aligned with over 500 other distributors.
YouTube TV's Stance
While not explicitly stated, YouTube TV's insistence on 'preferential terms' implies dissatisfaction with the current offers and a desire for more favorable conditions.
- Channels Affected
- ABC stations, ESPN, FX, and other Disney networks
- YouTube TV Subscribers
- 10 million
- Dispute Start Date
- October 30
- Key Disney Executives Involved
- Dana Walden, Alan Bergman, Jimmy Pitaro
- Google's Corporate Valuation
- $3 trillion