The final hurdle in YouTube TV-Disney dispute

YouTube TV and Disney could be nearing an agreement that restores ESPN to the platform’s subscribers — but they’re not over the finish line quite yet, and one key hurdle remains in breaking the streaming stalemate. 

According to a Wednesday report from The Athletic, the media superpowers remain at odds regarding the cost for Disney’s “ancillary non-sports networks,” such as Freeform, FX and National Geographic. 

Disney-owned networks, including ESPN and ABC, were pulled from YouTube TV amid a carriage dispute on Oct. 30, rendering “Monday Night Football” and marquee college football matchups unavailable to 10 million subscribers. 

YouTube TV offered a $20 credit to subscribers last week as customers missed a second weekend of college football and “MNF.” 

“Google and Disney need to get a deal done and end this blackout,” FCC Chair Brendan Carr posted to his X account on Monday. “People should have the right to watch the programming they paid for — including football. Get it done!”

According to the report, Disney’s quarterly earnings — scheduled for Thursday afternoon — could be driving the company to push for a vow renewal. 

Disney’s networks — ESPN, ABC, Disney Channel, etc. — are all baked into a bundle package during carriage negotiations. 

Disney believes the bundle offers a generous discount, while distributors view it as Disney’s attempt to thrust unwanted channels onto them for a higher price. 

YouTube TV, especially, has shown little interest in paying for Disney’s auxiliary channels, with lesser watched programming – kid’s content and drama — starting to migrate over to streaming services. 

The Athletic reported that Google CEO Sundar Pichai and Disney boss Bob Iger have “become more involved” as negotiations develop. 

Also aiding Disney in the effort are entertainment co-chairs Dana Walden and Alan Berman, as well as ESPN chair Jimmy Pitaro.

Justin Connolly, global head of media and sports for YouTube TV, has bowed out of negotiations due to a conflict of interest — having left Disney for YouTube TV earlier this year.

Lawsuits ensued, and Connolly was eventually allowed to break his Disney deal, so long as he sat out of negotiations between the two media powerhouses.

While no deal is in place, optimism remains that football could eventually return to the screens of YouTube TV subscribers.

How to watch ESPN and ABC for free without YouTube TV

There are a few other live TV streaming services offering great deals and channels that YouTube TV customers no longer have access to.

DIRECTV offers a free 5-day trial covering all the affected channels with plans starting at just $49.99/month for your first month. That unlocks NFL, NBA, NHL, and college football across ESPN, ABC, and more, plus regional sports networks in most markets, all for one price.

If you’re not ready to commit to a full subscription and just want to catch a night of sports on ESPN, Sling TV is an excellent alternative due to the unmatched flexibility it offers with plans that include one-day passes. Sling Orange Day Passes are priced at $4.99, and you’ll get 24 hours of access to all Sling TV Orange has to offer, including ESPN and ESPN2.