Millions of YouTube TV subscribers discovered on Friday that all Disney-owned channels — including ESPN, ABC, FX, and Disney Channel — had disappeared overnight after the companies failed to reach a new deal before their contract expired.
The blackout, starting at 11:59 p.m. ET on Oct. 31, is the latest in a series of carriage fee disputes between streaming distributors and major media companies. Earlier this year, YouTube TV narrowly avoided blackouts with Fox in August and Comcast’s NBCUniversal in September.
“Despite our best efforts, we have not reached a fair deal. Starting today, Disney programming won’t be available on YouTube TV,” the company said in a statement on X (formerly Twitter) Oct. 30. YouTube TV added that Disney “demanded higher rates” that would have forced a price increase for its 9 million customers.
The move leaves viewers without access to major weekend sporting events, including college football on ESPN and ABC. Saturday features Georgia vs. Florida, Notre Dame vs. Boston College, and Oklahoma vs. Tennessee. Monday Night Football, featuring the Cardinals and Cowboys, will also be blacked out; if the standoff continues, next week’s Eagles-Packers game could be affected.
Disney, the owner of ESPN, ABC, FX, and National Geographic, defended its decision, stating that YouTube TV “refused to pay market rates” for its channels. “Google’s decision denies its subscribers access to valued content,” Disney said Friday. “We remain committed to resolving this quickly.”
Analysts say the clash signals broader realignment as traditional networks try to protect pay-TV revenue and digital distributors hold prices amid consumer fatigue over streaming costs. “Negotiations have grown more frequent and contentious as both sides fight for survival in a shrinking market,” said Paul Erickson, a media analyst. “Every blackout increases pressure on the companies — and consumers.”
YouTube TV subscribers have experienced similar disputes in the past, with temporary outages involving Warner Bros. Discovery and Sinclair Broadcasting. Each instance sparked public statements, social media backlash, and short-term subscriber losses.
Frustrated viewers are being encouraged to consider alternatives. Competing services, such as DIRECTV, Fubo, and Hulu + Live TV (owned by Disney), are offering free trials and limited-time deals to attract former YouTube TV customers. DIRECTV, for example, offers a five-day free trial for packages that include ESPN, ABC, FX, and Freeform.
“This is exactly the disruption consumers are tired of,” said Tom Rutledge, former cable executive. “Both sides blame each other, but viewers lose access to content they pay for.”
For viewers, the blackout comes at a bad time. Beyond live sports, Disney channels feature major shows, including “Good Morning America” and “The View,” as well as hits like “Abbott Elementary” and “American Horror Story.”
Both Disney and YouTube TV say they will continue to negotiate, but neither has announced when service might return. “We know this is frustrating,” YouTube said, “and we continue to urge Disney to work with us to reach a fair agreement.”
Meanwhile, millions of paying subscribers are stuck without their favorite shows, sports, and local broadcasts as corporate giants battle over money and control.
As one fan wrote on X, “It doesn’t matter who’s right or wrong. The public is the one getting screwed.”
For updates, visit YouTube TV’s blog or Disney’s media site.
