Disney Channels return to YouTube TV as companies resolve blackout

For weeks now, YouTube TV users have been unable to enjoy anything from Disney’s massive catalogue. Channels like ABC, ESPN, FX, National Geographic, Freeform, SEC Network, ACC Network, and others have been essentially blacked out for the past couple of weeks as both companies have tried—and failed—to negotiate a new carriage deal. Neither side seemed ready to budge, and by last week, it genuinely looked like the standoff would drag on even longer.

The tension had been building for a while. Disney said YouTube TV wasn’t willing to pay fair rates for its channels. YouTube TV, on the other hand, claimed Disney was pushing for terms that would raise prices for subscribers while limiting choice. The dispute escalated quickly, especially after Disney content disappeared from the platform on October 30. Viewers were left scrambling when major college football games, entertainment shows, and news programming suddenly went dark.

Even when Disney asked for ABC to be temporarily restored for Election Day, YouTube TV turned the request down, arguing that a back-and-forth restoration would only confuse customers. By that point, it seemed like both sides were still miles apart.

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But on Friday, everything has flipped. YouTube TV announced that the two companies have finally reached a multi-year deal, and they sounded downright cheerful about it. Disney echoed the sentiment in its own statement, saying the agreement “recognises the tremendous value” of its programming and gives YouTube TV subscribers “more flexibility and choice.” And yes, channels are already being restored, rolling out gradually across accounts.

The new agreement brings back the full suite of Disney-owned networks and even adds a few perks. ESPN’s upcoming direct-to-consumer streaming service will now be available to YouTube TV subscribers at no extra cost. Plus, YouTube TV will eventually be able to offer select Disney networks and the Disney+/Hulu bundle as part of its packages. What we don’t know yet are the financial terms. Both companies kept those details close, but users at least get something concrete: that previously promised $20 credit for sticking through the blackout.

All of this lands in a streaming landscape where these disputes are becoming way too common. As more live TV shifts online, the battle over licensing fees has increasingly spilled into public view. And interestingly, this isn’t even the first YouTube TV–Disney fallout; the two had a similar dispute in 2021, though that one only lasted a couple of days.

Hopefully, this new deal sticks. For now, at least, subscribers can breathe again, fire up their favourite channels, and enjoy the weekend’s games without wondering who’s going to pull the plug next.

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