YouTube TV is sparring with Disney, and you’re about to pay for it
 

TL;DR

• YouTube TV’s deal with Disney, which includes content from ABC and ESPN, is up for renewal.
• If YouTube TV and Disney can’t come to an agreement before the end of October 30, subscribers will face a blackout.
• Google successfully managed talks with NBCUniversal, Fox, and Paramount previously in 2025.

YouTube TV is a popular live TV streaming service that helps subscribers cut the cord, but it’s struggling to keep legacy channels on board. It wrangled with NBCUniversal earlier this month, and had similar public battles with Fox and Paramount over distribution rights in 2025. Now, YouTube TV is undergoing similar negotiations with Disney.

Google this week announced it is negotiating with Disney to keep networks like ESPN and ABC available on YouTube TV. The company’s current distribution deal expires on October 30 at 11:59 PM ET, and both sides are warning of a blackout if a “fair deal” isn’t reached.




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