Overview
- ESPN, ABC and other Disney networks have been dark on YouTube TV since Oct. 30, affecting roughly 10 million subscribers.
- In a Friday memo to staff, Disney executives said they offered a renewal that would cost less overall than the expired deal and accused Google of insisting on below‑market, preferential terms.
- YouTube said Disney is seeking higher rates than rivals pay, published a proposal to immediately restore ABC and the ESPN networks during negotiations, and stated it is ready to reach a fair agreement.
- Reporting from The Athletic indicates the companies remain far apart heading into a second sports‑heavy weekend, putting Saturday’s college football and potentially Monday Night Football at risk for YouTube TV users.
- Subscriber pressure is mounting, with a Drive Research survey finding about 24% of users say they have canceled or plan to cancel, and YouTube TV saying it will issue a one‑time $20 credit if the blackout extends.