Archive · 15 Nov 2025
Disney Channels Restored on YouTube TV After Fee Dispute
Imagine two companies, Disney and YouTube TV, had a disagreement about money.
Disney owns popular channels like ESPN and ABC, and YouTube TV wants to show them to its customers.
But they couldn't agree on how much YouTube TV should pay Disney for these channels.
Because of this fight, Disney's channels were temporarily removed from YouTube TV for two weeks.
This meant people using YouTube TV couldn't watch their favorite sports or shows.
Both companies blamed each other, saying the other side was being unfair.
Eventually, the top bosses at both companies talked and made a new deal.
Now, all of Disney's channels are back on YouTube TV, and customers can watch them again.
Disney and Google have reached a new carriage agreement, restoring Disney-owned channels on YouTube TV after a two-week blackout.
The dispute began on October 30 due to a failure to reach a new licensing agreement over carriage fees.
Millions of YouTube TV subscribers were unable to access channels like ESPN, ABC, and others during the blackout.
Both companies publicly accused each other of engaging in unfair negotiation tactics and prioritizing corporate interests.
The resolution came after intervention from high-level executives and FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, with specific financial terms not disclosed.
- Who
- Disney and Google (YouTube TV)
- What
- Reached a new carriage agreement restoring Disney-owned channels on YouTube TV after a two-week blackout.
- When
- The agreement was reached around November 15, ending a blackout that began on October 30.
- Where
- United States
- Why
- A dispute over carriage fees and licensing terms after the previous deal expired.
Google (YouTube TV)
Disney
Negotiation Tactics and Costs
Google (YouTube TV)
Google claimed Disney was pushing for higher fees in an effort to boost its own Hulu + Live TV and Fubo offerings. Google also stated that Disney insisted on higher rates and blamed Disney for the blackout.
Disney
Disney insisted Google was being unreasonable and seeking preferential treatment and below-market rates. Disney also stated that Google was unwilling to pay fair rates for its channels and accused Google of using its market dominance to eliminate competition.
Impact on Subscribers
Google (YouTube TV)
Google offered a $20 credit to affected YouTube TV customers, framing it as an apology for the disruption.
Disney
Subscribers were left without access to ESPN, ABC, and more than 20 other Disney-owned channels for two weeks.
- Blackout Start Date
- October 30
- Blackout End Date
- November 15
- Blackout Duration
- Two weeks
- Restored Channels
- ESPN, ABC, and over 20 other Disney-owned channels
- YouTube TV Credit Offered
- $20 credit to affected customers
Sources
Disney warns of potentially long distribution dispute with YouTube TV, shares fall - Telegraph India
YouTube TV restores Disney channels, including ESPN, ABC – What shows are back, subscription, more
Disney and YouTube TV reach deal ending weeks of disruption
Disney reaches new deal with YouTube TV, ending a blackout that lasted over two weeks
