This past weekend, YouTube TV subscribers, who typically pay monetary amounts monthly in a subscription-based format for the right to watch the service that is supposed to include ESPN, ABC and all of Disney’s channels, were told those channels will be pulled.
In simpler terms — a contract dispute between YouTube TV and Disney has led to a blackout affecting millions of subscribers.
While it is undeniable that ESPN has built the most powerful sports media platform in history, the leverage they have recently exerted over their live NFL games has resulted in an ability to extract increased fees from distributors.
When it comes to how this has impacted business negotiations, things haven’t exactly been peachy all the while.
NFL Insider Chimes in on ESPN, YouTube TV Feud
The price per month for YouTube TV’s base subscription was $82.99 per month. But various channels went dark on Thursday night after both sides failed to reach a new carriage agreement, escalating a prolonged back-and-forth.
Senior NFL reporter Albert Breer has had enough of the situation, and he recently posted his thoughts to X.
“Imagine if you bought season tickets for your favorite NFL team. And then, suddenly, they told you that you couldn’t have your tickets for this week’s game, and they were uncertain about future games too, but here’s a link to download the Ticketmaster app, so go buy some there,” Breer said.
Imagine if you bought season tickets for your favorite NFL team. And then, suddenly, they told you that you couldn’t have your tickets for this week’s game, and they were uncertain about future games too, but here’s a link to download the Ticketmaster app, so go buy some there.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) November 3, 2025
In another statement on X, YouTube TV accused Disney of pushing deal terms that would “disadvantage our members while benefiting Disney’s TV products.” The company added that it remains committed to reaching an agreement, but noted that if the blackout continues for “an extended period of time,” it will issue a $20 credit to affected subscribers.
Basically, Disney and Google’s YouTube TV are pointing fingers at one another while not be able to reach an agreement on pricing for what is likely sports content.
“Unfortunately, Google’s YouTube TV has chosen to deny their subscribers the content they value most by refusing to pay fair rates for our channels, including ESPN and ABC,” Disney said in a statement.
The timing of all of this comes in the midst of college football season as well as ongoing Monday Night Football matchups. Various NFL, college football, NBA, and NHL games have been streamed on YouTube TV through ESPN’s channels.
YouTube TV users are now likely to either change their pay TV provider, or add a direct-to-consumer streaming account.
“It’s our goal to restore Disney content to YouTube TV, but if we can’t reach an agreement and their content is unavailable for an extended period of time, we’ll offer our subscribers a $20 credit,” Google currently says in its help center.