YouTube TV, Disney reach deal to restore channels after 15 day blackout
The deal ends a carriage dispute that led to Disney channels being removed from YouTube TV’s lineup Oct. 30.
YouTube TV subscribers will once again have access to Disney-owned networks, including ESPN, ABC, FX and National Geographic, after the two companies reached a new distribution agreement.
The deal ends a carriage dispute that led to Disney channels being removed from YouTube TV’s lineup Oct. 30, leaving millions of viewers without access to major live sports and entertainment programming.
This weekend would have been the third without ABC and ESPN’s lineup of college football and NFL Monday Night Football.
“We’re happy to share that we’ve reached a deal with Disney to bring their content back to YouTube TV,” the company posted on X. “Subscribers should see channels including ABC, ESPN, and FX returning to their service over the course of the day.”
In a statement, Disney said all ABC and ESPN channels were already being restored.
The previous contract between YouTube TV and Disney expired after negotiations stalled over licensing fees. The impasse prompted YouTube TV to temporarily pull all Disney channels from its platform.
Earlier this week, YouTube TV offered customers a $20 credit on their next bill.
This marks the second major carriage conflict between the two companies in recent years; a similar dispute briefly interrupted service in December 2021 before a renewal was reached the next day.