Disney-owned channels, including ABC and ESPN, have been removed from YouTube TV due to a failed content distribution deal, impacting millions of subscribers and major sports broadcasts.
YouTube TV viewers can no longer access Disney channels such as ABC, ESPN, Disney Channel, FX, and Nat Geo, after negotiations for a new content distribution deal broke down. Google's pay TV platform announced that Disney followed through on a threat to suspend its content, potentially affecting coverage of college football, NBA, NFL, and NHL games. YouTube, the largest internet TV provider in the U.S. with over 9 million subscribers, accused Disney of using the blackout as a negotiating tactic to force higher prices for subscribers and to benefit its own streaming products like Hulu + Live TV. YouTube TV has offered subscribers a $20 credit if the Disney content remains unavailable for an extended period. Disney, however, stated that YouTube TV is refusing to pay fair rates for its channels and is using its market dominance to undercut industry-standard terms. Both companies expressed a commitment to reaching a resolution quickly.
