YouTube TV Removes Disney Channels

YouTube TV and Disney failed to reach a renewal deal by Oct. 30–31, causing Disney-owned channels including ESPN and ABC to go dark on the platform and disrupting college football and other major sports programming. The dispute centers on per-subscriber fees and licensing terms: Google says Disney demanded large rate increases that would raise subscriber costs and advantage Disney’s streaming products, while Disney accuses Google of using its market power and refusing to pay fair rates. To limit fan disruption, ESPN streamed its College GameDay show for free on the ESPN app and via Pat McAfee’s feed on X, but live games and most ESPN content remain behind paywalls for affected YouTube TV subscribers. YouTube TV has offered a temporary $20 credit if the outage continues and says it will not accept terms that disadvantage members; Disney and ESPN urged fans to pressure YouTube, a tactic that drew backlash. The blackout threatens subscriber churn for YouTube TV and complicates access to upcoming events such as Monday Night Football, pushing consumers toward alternatives like other streaming bundles and short-term passes. Talks are continuing but no resolution has been announced.