Following a two-week service interruption, YouTube TV and Disney revealed on Friday that they have finalized a new agreement.
This arrangement not only brings Disney channels such as ABC, ESPN, and FX back to YouTube TV’s streaming lineup, but also allows ESPN’s upcoming direct-to-consumer platform to be accessible on YouTube TV at no extra cost. Additionally, YouTube will have the option to offer select Disney channels and the Disney+/Hulu bundle in various package deals.
Disney Entertainment Co-Chairmen Alan Bergman and Dana Walden, along with ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro, issued a statement calling the agreement one that “acknowledges the significant value of Disney’s content and gives YouTube TV users greater flexibility and options.”
“We’re glad our channels are back in time for viewers to enjoy a wide range of programming this weekend, including college football,” the Disney leaders continued.
YouTube also shared a statement on Friday, noting that the affected channels would be restored “over the course of the day.” The company added, “We regret the inconvenience and thank our subscribers for their patience as we worked through negotiations on their behalf.”
YouTube TV is designed as a cable alternative for those cutting the cord, but like traditional cable services, it has experienced conflicts with major content providers—mainly regarding payment terms and the flexibility to bundle their content in different ways.
During the last round of negotiations between YouTube and Disney in 2022, a similar blackout occurred, though it was much shorter. This time, YouTube offered affected customers a $20 credit to apply to their upcoming bill.
A survey indicated that 24% of YouTube TV’s more than 10 million users said they had already canceled or intended to cancel their subscriptions due to the Disney blackout. (A YouTube representative stated that actual cancellations were “manageable and did not reflect the survey’s results.”)
In fact, Amanda Silberling from TechCrunch joked that the blackout was making her life miserable because she couldn’t watch “Jeopardy!” Fortunately, her two-week ordeal has ended.
