Particle.news
Download on the App Store
56 ARTICLES
·
4w ago

ESPN and ABC Stay Dark on YouTube TV as Negotiations Stall Into Second Weekend

Talks remain far apart over fees, with YouTube publicly offering a temporary restoration.

Image
Image
Sports Commentator and former NFL player Troy Aikman and sports commentator Joe Buck look on prior to a game between the Buffalo Bills and the Denver Broncos at Highmark Stadium on November 13, 2023 in Orchard Park, New York.
Joe Buck and Troy Aikman look on prior to a game between the Dallas Cowboys and Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFC Wild Card playoff game at Raymond James Stadium on January 16, 2023 in Tampa, Florida.

Overview

  • Disney’s networks, including ESPN and ABC, have been off YouTube TV since Oct. 30, affecting roughly 10 million subscribers.
  • Disney leaders told employees they offered terms costing less than the expired deal and accused YouTube TV of seeking below‑market rates, while YouTube said Disney wants higher fees than rivals pay.
  • YouTube publicly proposed immediately restoring ABC and the ESPN networks during negotiations and reiterated a one‑time $20 credit if the outage lasts.
  • A Drive Research survey found about 24% of YouTube TV users say they have canceled or plan to cancel if ESPN remains unavailable, though YouTube disputes the survey’s reflection of churn.
  • Independent estimates peg Disney’s lost distribution revenue at about $5 million per day, with a second sports‑heavy weekend disrupted and the Eagles‑Packers Monday Night Football broadcast at risk for YouTube TV users.