Disney Warns of Possible ESPN and ABC Blackout on YouTube TV as Contract Talks Near Deadline
Streaming giant YouTube TV could lose access to major Disney-owned networks — including ESPN and ABC — by the end of the month if a new distribution deal isn’t finalized in time.
Disney announced on Thursday that it will begin notifying YouTube TV subscribers about the potential blackout, as its current contract with the platform is set to expire on October 30 at 11:59 p.m. ET. The company said it’s preparing on-screen alerts to inform viewers that access to popular channels could be interrupted if negotiations fail.
“This is another example of a major tech platform putting its own interests ahead of consumers,” said a Disney spokesperson. “Without a fair agreement, YouTube TV users will lose access to ESPN, ABC, and other top entertainment and sports content — including the NFL, NBA, NHL, and college football seasons.”
According to sources familiar with the talks, YouTube TV, which has over 10 million subscribers, is pushing for more favorable financial terms and rate adjustments for Disney’s programming. The platform claims that Disney’s demands could drive up subscription costs for users.
“We’ve been negotiating in good faith to ensure fair value for Disney’s content,” said a YouTube TV representative. “However, Disney’s current proposal would increase prices for customers and limit their viewing options while favoring Disney’s own services, such as Hulu + Live TV and Fubo. If a deal isn’t reached, Disney channels may be removed, and subscribers could receive a $20 credit for the inconvenience.”
The standoff comes just weeks after YouTube TV narrowly avoided a similar blackout with NBCUniversal by securing a last-minute extension and finalizing a new deal shortly after.
In past negotiations, Disney has shown flexibility — such as its 2022 distribution agreement with Charter Communications, which bundled Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ at no additional cost for certain subscribers. Insiders say Disney has offered YouTube TV similar terms but has rejected YouTube’s request to directly integrate its streaming platforms — Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ — into the YouTube ecosystem.
The negotiations also carry personal tension: YouTube recently hired Justin Connolly, a former Disney distribution executive, leading Disney to file a breach of contract lawsuit. Connolly has since recused himself from the ongoing discussions.
Both sides are reportedly continuing talks ahead of the looming deadline, but if no resolution is reached, millions of YouTube TV viewers could lose access to some of the most-watched sports and entertainment programming in the U.S.
