Overview
- Disney networks including ESPN and ABC remain off YouTube TV nearly two weeks after the Oct. 30 contract expired, affecting roughly 10 million subscribers.
- Multiple reports indicate progress on ESPN fees, with the deadlock focused on ABC rates, Disney’s bundled channels such as FX, Freeform and National Geographic, and YouTube TV’s sought-after growth-based MFN protections.
- Disney CEO Bob Iger and Google CEO Sundar Pichai have stepped into negotiations, and several outlets report renewed momentum even though no agreement has been reached.
- Morgan Stanley pegs Disney’s revenue hit at about $4.3 million per day, while YouTube TV is offering a one-time $20 credit that users must manually claim.
- On Disney’s earnings call, executives said their offer matches deals with larger distributors, as Google argues Disney is pushing above-market fee increases that could reset industry rates.