Disney reaches new deal with YouTube TV, ending blackout
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Associated Press
Nov 14, 2025, 08:43 PM ET
NEW YORK — Disney and YouTube TV reached a new deal to bring channels such as ABC and ESPN back to the Google-owned live-streaming platform Friday, ending a blackout for customers that lasted over two weeks.
«As part of the new deal, Disney’s full suite of networks and stations — including ESPN and ABC — have already begun to be restored to YouTube TV subscribers,» The Walt Disney Co. said in a statement.
YouTube TV also confirmed the return of Disney content on its platform, noting that subscribers should see channels back «over the course of the day.» It apologized for the disruption and thanked customers for their «patience as we negotiated on their behalf.»
Disney content went dark on YouTube TV the night of Oct. 30 after the two sides failed to reach a new licensing deal. In the days that followed, YouTube TV subscribers were left without Disney channels on the platform — notably disrupting coverage of top college football matchups and professional sports games, as well as news and entertainment programming.
Beyond ESPN and ABC, other Disney-owned content removed from YouTube TV during the impasse included channels such as NatGeo, FX, Freeform, SEC Network, ACC Network and more.
Disney Entertainment Co-Chairmen Alan Bergman and Dana Walden and ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro said Friday that they were «pleased that our networks have been restored in time for fans to enjoy the many great programming options this weekend, including college football.»
When talks broke down last month, YouTube TV said Disney was proposing costly terms that would lead to higher prices for and fewer choices for its subscribers. It accused Disney of using the blackout as a negotiating tactic — claiming the maneuver also benefited Disney’s streaming products such as Hulu + Live TV and Fubo.
Disney, meanwhile, said that YouTube TV had refused to pay fair rates for its channels. The California entertainment giant also accused Google of «using its market dominance to eliminate competition.» And executives criticized the platform for pulling content «prior to the midnight expiration» of their deal in late October.
Both sides also publicly sparred over negotiations and content available leading up to Nov. 4 elections across the U.S.
By the time Disney’s channels returned to YouTube TV, Google’s streamer said it had «reached an agreement with Disney that preserves the value of our service for our subscribers and future flexibility in our offers.» Disney executives maintained that the deal reflected the company’s «continued commitment to delivering exceptional entertainment and evolving with how audiences choose to watch.»
