YouTube TV and Disney Reach Deal Ending Two-Week Blackout of ESPN, ABC
After a brief standoff, ESPN, ABC, and other Disney TV networks are making their return to YouTube TV. Google and Disney have reached a multiyear agreement on pricing and terms for a renewed carriage deal, ending the blackout that began on October 30.
The new agreement will bring ESPN’s full lineup of sports content, including ESPN Unlimited, to YouTube TV base-plan subscribers at no additional cost by the end of 2026. Additionally, access to a selection of live and on-demand programming from ESPN Unlimited will be available within the YouTube TV platform.
Furthermore, the deal allows YouTube to include the Disney+ and Hulu bundle as part of select offerings. Disney has mentioned that select networks will be included in various genre-specific packages that YouTube TV plans to launch in the future.
In a joint statement, Disney Entertainment co-chairmen Alan Bergman and Dana Walden, along with ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro, expressed their commitment to delivering exceptional entertainment and adapting to changing viewing habits. They emphasized the value of Disney’s programming and the flexibility and choice the agreement provides to YouTube TV subscribers.
YouTube also issued a statement expressing their satisfaction with the new agreement, which preserves the value of their service for subscribers and allows for future flexibility in their offerings. They apologized for the disruption caused by the blackout and thanked subscribers for their patience during the negotiation process.
The deal supersedes the previous distribution agreement signed in December 2021 after a two-day blackout. To compensate for the loss of Disney’s programming, YouTube began issuing one-time $20 credits to customers. Despite the frustration leading some subscribers to cancel their accounts, YouTube and Disney have now resolved their differences.
The removal of Disney’s networks from YouTube TV affected customers’ DVR recordings of Disney’s programming as well. With the deal renewal, subscribers will regain access to recordings that were previously in their library.
The clash between Disney and Google became public on October 23 when Disney warned viewers about the potential removal of its networks from YouTube TV. Both companies have faced tough negotiations with distributors due to the transition to ESPN Unlimited and the continued investment in Disney+ and Hulu.
Overall, the agreement between Disney and Google marks a positive development for YouTube TV subscribers, who can now enjoy a wide range of Disney programming once again. The resolution of this dispute highlights the importance of fair negotiations in the evolving landscape of streaming services.
