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Disney–YouTube TV Blackout Reaches Week Three as CEO Talks Intensify

Negotiations now center on ABC pricing alongside the cost of Disney’s bundled non‑sports channels.

Overview

  • Bob Iger and Sundar Pichai have joined the talks, with multiple reports describing renewed momentum but no agreement yet.
  • Rates for ABC remain a major sticking point, with Disney seeking higher fees and YouTube TV pushing back on terms that could trigger broader most‑favored‑nation obligations.
  • ESPN pricing is reported as largely aligned by some outlets, though a source told Sports Media Watch that alignment is disputed, with prior reporting pegging ESPN near just over $10 per subscriber.
  • Morgan Stanley estimates Disney is losing about $4.3 million per day, and Disney’s CFO said the company has built a financial hedge and is prepared for the blackout to continue.
  • Roughly 9–10 million subscribers have lost ESPN, ABC and other Disney networks; YouTube TV is offering a one‑time $20 credit as viewers miss consecutive Monday Night Football and college football weekends, and the FCC chair has urged a resolution.