Streaming customers who paid for YouTube TV or DirecTV Stream could be running out of time to claim part of a $50 million settlement involving The Walt Disney Company.
The deadline is today, September 8, 2026, for eligible subscribers to submit a claim in a US class-action lawsuit alleging that Disney's business practices pushed up the cost of live television streaming.
The case, Biddle v. The Walt Disney Company, was filed in the US District Court for the Northern District of California and centres on subscriptions purchased between April 1, 2019 and March 31, 2026.
Disney has denied wrongdoing but agreed to the partial settlement. Eligible customers can submit claims through the court-approved settlement website, although the final payout will depend on the number and length of qualifying subscriptions.
Treasure Ayanfe Adetula
Who can claim part of the Disney settlement?
The settlement is limited to customers of two live TV streaming services, YouTube TV and DirecTV’s eligible streaming platforms. This includes DirecTV Stream, DirecTV Now, and AT&T TV Now.
FuboTV subscribers aren't included because the FuboTV plaintiffs didn't reach a settlement with Disney. The deal also doesn't cover regular Disney+ subscriptions, as the lawsuit concerns Disney’s position in the live television streaming market.
Anyone unsure whether their subscription qualifies should check the official settlement notice before submitting a claim.
Why is Disney paying $50 million?
Subscribers brought the lawsuit, accusing Disney of violating federal antitrust laws and state antitrust and consumer-protection laws. According to the consolidated complaint, the plaintiffs argued that Disney used agreements with live-TV streaming providers to influence pricing in the market.
Disney owns Hulu and controls ESPN, which is a major component of many live-TV packages. The complaint alleged that Disney's arrangements contributed to the near doubling of subscription prices.
The plaintiffs and Disney eventually reached a proposed $50 million settlement after years of litigation. Court documents say the settlement also includes behavioural relief intended to address the alleged effects on competition in the streaming live television market.
Disney has not admitted liability. The official settlement notice states that the company denies the allegations but agreed to resolve the case through the settlement.
How much could eligible customers receive?
The $50 million fund will be distributed on a pro-rata basis, meaning the amount each successful claimant receives will depend partly on how long they maintained an eligible YouTube TV or DirecTV Stream subscription during the covered period.
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