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DisneyYouTube TV Blackout Drags On as YouTube Offers to Restore ESPN, ABC

The standoff reflects a pricing and contract fight that has cut off major live sports for roughly 10 million YouTube TV customers.

Overview

  • YouTube publicly shared an email proposing immediate restoration of ABC and ESPN during talks, saying the channels could return within hours if Disney agrees.
  • Disney-owned networks have been off YouTube TV since Oct. 30, blocking access to ESPN, ABC and others through college football and a Monday Night Football broadcast.
  • Negotiations remain far apart on per-subscriber fees, deal length and protections such as most-favored-nation status, according to industry reporting.
  • YouTube TV has signaled a $20 credit if the outage lasts an extended period, while some subscribers reported separate promotional credits not related to the dispute.
  • ESPN made College GameDay free on the ESPN app and on Pat McAfee’s X feed, as talent appeals to visit KeepMyNetworks.com drew backlash including public criticism from McAfee.