Channels operated by media giant Disney in the US have now gone dark on the YouTube TV service, leaving millions without access to live sports content shown by major broadcaster ESPN and sister channel ABC.
The blackout has come after the two parties – Google-owned YouTube, and ESPN's owner Disney – failed to agree terms on a carriage deal renewal by a deadline of October 30.
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It comes at a bad time for those YouTube TV customers interested in watching ESPN and ABC sports content in particular – that network is right in the middle of its coverage of the 2025 NFL and college football seasons, amongst other sporting properties shown.
In total, it affects over 10 million YouTube TV customers, and came into effect at 9 pm on Thursday.
The blackout has come into effect, with YouTube TV unhappy with Disney's price demands around a renewal, while the Hulu and Fubo streaming services offered by Disney also compete directly with the YouTube TV offering.
In a statement, a YouTube spokesperson has commented: "We know this is a frustrating and disappointing outcome for our subscribers. We continue to urge Disney to work with us constructively to reach a fair agreement that restores their networks to YouTube TV.”
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By GlobalDataDisney, meanwhile, said: "Unfortunately, Google’s YouTube TV has chosen to deny its 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."
In terms of distribution agreements, Disney has already sealed six such tie-ups in 2025, including with heavyweights like Charter Spectrum and Comcast.
YouTube TV, which first launched in early 2017, now costs $82.99 monthly for its full suite of available channels.
YouTube has now said that if the Disney channels' blackout lasts for "an extended period," it will offer subscribers $20 in credit.
Earlier this month, US media giant NBCUniversal (NBCU) agreed a long-awaited multi-year carriage agreement with Google, centred on YouTube TV.
This agreement ensures that NBCU’s range of channels, including sports content, remains available on YouTube TV.
For Disney, meanwhile, this impasse comes after it finally closed a deal to merge the Hulu + Live TV service's operations with Fubo earlier this week.
Disney now owns a majority stake of 70% in the new company, which is now the second-largest virtual pay-TV provider in the US, boasting nearly six million subscribers.
It sits only behind YouTube TV, which is estimated to have over 10 million paying subscribers.
The original deal between Disney and Fubo was initially announced back in January and involved Fubo dropping a lawsuit against the intended Venu Sports streaming offering from Disney, Warner Bros. Discovery, and Fox Corp (Venu was dropped as a concept soon after this anyway).
It has now been reported by the Variety publication – citing two sources familiar with the matter – that both Disney and Fubo eventually managed to secure clearance from the Justice Department's Antitrust Division to complete the merger.
Andy Bird, former chair of Walt Disney International, is now the independent chair of the new-look Fubo service.
He has commented: "It is a privilege to join Fubo as chairman at such a transformative time for the company. Today’s announcement brings together two industry-leading brands and a compelling set of resources that uniquely position us to meet the evolving needs of today’s consumer.”
Both Fubo and Hulu + Live TV will continue to be available to customers as distinct services, with Hulu + Live TV continuing to be available from the Hulu app itself, as well as via a bundle with the Disney+ and ESPN Unlimited platforms.
David Gandler, Fubo's co-founder and chief executive, added: "Since Fubo’s founding a decade ago, our vision has always been to build a consumer-first streaming platform defined by innovation and value. Together with Disney, we’re creating a more flexible streaming ecosystem that gives consumers greater choice, while driving profitability and sustainable growth.”
