Disney vs. YouTube TV: Channels Like ABC, ESPN at Risk

Disney is currently engaged in a significant carriage fee dispute with Google’s YouTube TV, a disagreement that threatens to remove popular networks such as ABC, ESPN, and a host of other Disney-owned channels from the streaming platform. This potential blackout could impact millions of subscribers nationwide, especially as the current distribution agreement is set to expire soon. The ongoing negotiations highlight the complexities of content distribution in the modern streaming landscape, with both media giants vying for terms they deem fair for their respective businesses and customers.

The Heart of the Dispute: Carriage Fees and Market Dominance

At the core of the conflict are the fees YouTube TV pays Disney for the rights to carry its extensive catalog of networks. Disney has publicly stated that it is seeking “fair rates” that acknowledge the substantial investment and value of its content. The media conglomerate argues that Google, through its YouTube TV service, which is estimated to have over 10 million subscribers, is attempting to leverage its market dominance to secure a deal for below-market carriage fees.

Conversely, YouTube has countered that Disney is proposing “costly economic terms” that would inevitably lead to higher prices for YouTube TV subscribers and offer fewer choices. YouTube also suggests that Disney’s proposed terms could benefit its own live TV streaming products, such as Hulu + Live TV. The existing deal between Disney and YouTube TV is scheduled to conclude on October 30 at midnight ET, setting a critical deadline for the negotiations.

Networks and Programming at Risk

Should an agreement not be reached, a wide array of Disney-owned channels would be removed from YouTube TV’s lineup. This includes vital networks for news, sports, and entertainment:

• Local ABC broadcast stations
• The full suite of ESPN networks
• ABC News
• Disney Channel
• Disney Jr.
• FX, FXX, and FXM
• National Geographic (NatGeo)
• Freeform

The loss of these channels would significantly impact sports fans, as ESPN carries major programming, including NFL, college football, NBA, and NHL seasons. Disney has reported a year-over-year increase of more than 15% in viewing of its networks on YouTube TV, based on gross minutes viewed, citing Nielsen data.

YouTube TV’s Contingency and Subscriber Credit

In anticipation of a potential blackout, YouTube TV has informed subscribers that if Disney’s networks are removed for an “extended period of time,” the platform intends to offer a $20 credit to affected users. This measure aims to mitigate subscriber dissatisfaction in the event of a prolonged absence of Disney’s content.

A Recurring Pattern: YouTube TV’s Recent Distribution Disputes

This dispute with Disney is not an isolated incident for YouTube TV. The streaming service has been involved in several other distribution conflicts throughout the current year alone. It recently renewed agreements with Paramount Global (carrying CBS stations and over 20 other channels in February) and Fox Corp. (in August 2025) after contentious negotiations. Earlier this month, NBCUniversal also inked a long-term pact with Google. However, YouTube TV did drop Univision and other TelevisaUnivision-owned networks at the end of September when the two parties failed to reach a new agreement. Disney’s spokesperson noted that this is the fourth time in three months that Google’s YouTube TV is risking subscribers losing valuable networks.

Disney’s History of Carriage Battles

Disney itself has a history of engaging in public disputes over carriage fees with various providers. In 2023, Disney and Charter Communications had a highly publicized battle before resolving their differences and avoiding a blackout. Furthermore, in 2024, ESPN and other Disney networks went dark on DirecTV for nearly two weeks before a new deal was finalized. More recently, Disney successfully secured a renewal with Comcast for the continued carriage of its networks earlier this month.

The Justin Connolly Factor

Adding a layer of complexity to the current negotiations is a legal dispute involving Justin Connolly, Disney’s former head of distribution, who joined YouTube as VP of global head of media this spring. Disney had sued YouTube and Connolly, alleging breach of contract and attempting to block his employment at Google, partly citing his knowledge of Disney’s internal strategies related to contract renewal talks for YouTube TV. However, a California Superior Court judge ruled against Disney in the case. This background suggests a degree of existing tension between the two companies beyond the standard commercial negotiations.

Conclusion

The looming deadline for the Disney-YouTube TV distribution agreement underscores the ongoing challenges in the pay-TV ecosystem, particularly as traditional media companies adapt to digital platforms. With Disney pushing for what it considers fair value for its content and YouTube TV aiming to maintain competitive pricing for its subscribers, the outcome of these negotiations remains uncertain. Subscribers of YouTube TV will be closely watching as the October 30 deadline approaches, hoping for a resolution that keeps their favorite ABC, ESPN, and other Disney networks accessible.