The NFL is one of the most-watched programs in the nation. It is a billion-dollar company that distributes its games on numerous cable and streaming channels. We have seen an NFL game on Fox, CBS, ESPN, Amazon Prime, and even Netflix. One issue with that is that some fans are unable to watch all the games, especially if they do not have cable.
YouTube TV has become a popular streaming service, but users have been unable to watch ESPN or Monday Night Football. There is no deal in place for YouTube TV to stream any Disney-affiliated channels. However, the sides are discussing a deal that will bring those channels back.
ESPN-YouTube TV in Talks on a Deal
One reason many people bought YouTube TV was that it is a cheaper alternative to cable. However, if it does not give you all the channels it promised, that is an issue. According to The Athletic, YouTube TV has 10 million subscribers, and all of them have been unable to watch ESPN and Monday Night Football since October 30.
NFL Insider Andrew Marchand posted the details on X with the caption, “NEWS: There is potential momentum for a YouTube TV-ESPN deal to be finalized as the sides move closer, The Athletic has learned.”
NEWS: There is potential momentum for a YouTube TV-ESPN deal to be finalized as the sides move closer, The Athletic has learned.
Details here: Including the sticking point. https://t.co/5kRkkttaMJ
— Andrew Marchand (@AndrewMarchand) November 12, 2025
As the sides continue to discuss a deal, many people are becoming uneasy about the lack of a solution. That is why YouTube TV decided to give out a credit to people who have been without Disney-affiliated channels for more than a week.
The Athletic reported, “This past Sunday, YouTube TV sent out emails to customers, informing them they could click a button to redeem a $20 credit for being without ESPN and the Disney channels for more than a week.”
Many people will watch the upcoming Monday Night Football game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Las Vegas Raiders. The Cowboys are one of the most popular teams in football, and YouTube TV may lose subscribers if they can’t watch another Monday Night game.
Pressure for a Deal Is Mounting
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr spoke out on X, saying, “Google and Disney need to get a deal done and end this blackout. People should have the right to watch the programming they paid for – including football. Get it done!”
It is only a matter of time until the sides agree to a deal. It will be interesting to see if they can get it done before kickoff on Monday Night.