Archive · 12 Nov 2025
Disney and YouTube TV Clash: Both Sides Reportedly Facing Financial Losses
Imagine two friends, Disney and YouTube TV, who have a disagreement about sharing toys.
Disney has popular shows and sports channels, and YouTube TV is a service that lets people watch TV on the internet.
Because they couldn't agree on the rules for sharing, Disney took its toys away, meaning people using YouTube TV can't watch Disney's channels anymore.
Both friends are losing out because of this argument.
Disney isn't getting paid for its shows, and YouTube TV's customers are unhappy because they can't watch what they want.
YouTube TV is a big company, so it can handle this for a while, but it might lose customers.
Disney also has other ways for people to watch its shows, like its own apps, but losing the YouTube TV deal still hurts its money.
They are both trying to figure out who will give in first.
Disney networks, including ABC and ESPN, were removed from YouTube TV on October 30 due to a carriage dispute.
Both Disney and YouTube TV are reportedly incurring financial losses as the standoff continues beyond its first week.
Disney is estimated to be losing about $60 million over a 14-day period, averaging $4.3 million daily.
YouTube TV is facing subscriber dissatisfaction, particularly those who also subscribe to NFL Sunday Ticket, and has offered a $20 credit to affected customers.
Disney is emphasizing its own streaming services like ESPN+ and Fubo as alternatives for viewers affected by the blackout.
- Who
- Disney and YouTube TV
- What
- A carriage dispute where Disney networks went dark on YouTube TV, impacting programming and causing financial losses for both companies.
- When
- Began October 30 and is approaching the 2-week mark.
- Where
- U.S.
- Why
- Disagreement over carriage fees and contract terms, with accusations of unreasonable proposals and unfair market value.
YouTube TV's Stance
Disney's Stance
Reasonableness of Proposals and Urgency
YouTube TV's Stance
YouTube TV claims Disney is not bringing reasonable proposals to the table and lacks urgency, aiming to push subscribers to its own platforms.
Disney's Stance
Disney denies this accusation, stating that YouTube TV is not offering fair market value for its programming.
- Blackout Start Date
- October 30
- YouTube TV Subscribers
- 10 million
- Estimated Disney Losses (14-day period)
- $60 million
- Daily Loss for Disney
- ~$4.3 million
- Alphabet Market Value
- >$3 trillion
- YouTube TV NFL Sunday Ticket Cost
- $2 billion/year
- ESPN+ Subscribers (Estimated by FY2026)
- 3 million
- ESPN+ Incremental Revenue (Estimated by FY2026)
- $500 million