Disney and YouTube TV: Content Blackout Ends
Multi-year agreement restores Disney-owned channels and launches ESPN Unlimited access for subscribers
On November 14-15, 2025, The Walt Disney Company and Alphabet (Google) reached a multi-year distribution agreement after a 15-day blackout, restoring ESPN, ABC, FX, NatGeo, Disney Channel and over 20 other Disney-owned channels to YouTube TV. The disruption began October 30, 2025, impacting over 9.4 million U.S. subscribers and live coverage of college football, Monday Night Football, and national news events.
The blackout stemmed from disagreements over carriage fees, with Disney’s flagship ESPN network commanding over $10/month per subscriber, the highest in U.S. TV. YouTube TV claimed Disney’s requested terms would raise costs and reduce options for viewers. Disney maintained YouTube TV refused to pay fair rates for its channels.
The agreement brings new value to subscribers: ESPN Unlimited (Disney’s upcoming direct-to-consumer sports streaming service) will be available to YouTube TV’s base plan customers at no additional cost by the end of 2026. In addition, YouTube TV issued a one-time $20 credit for affected accounts, claimable through December 9.
How the Dispute Unfolded
Blackout: By the Numbers
Which Channels Were Restored?
The deal restored these networks: full Disney portfolio overview
What’s in the New Agreement?
How to Claim Your $20 Credit
Deadline: December 9, 2025
Full instructions
The new deal restored service for over 9.4 million U.S. households. YouTube TV remains the nation’s fourth-largest pay-TV distributor, projected to become #1 by 2026 as cord-cutting accelerates. Major sports events — college football, NFL, basketball — are again available live to streaming viewers.
Disney’s prior Charter dispute (2023) saw similar blackout tactics. Streamers like YouTube TV, NBCUniversal, and Fox have all negotiated hardline deals to preserve audience share amid direct-to-consumer shifts.
The agreement concludes YouTube TV’s latest streaming standoff and adds ESPN Unlimited by end-2026, reflecting rising demand for bundled streaming sports.
Regulatory scrutiny was present, with the FCC chair weighing in publicly. Disney and YouTube issued statements expressing customer focus and satisfaction with the terms.
On the same day, new regulatory filings revealed Berkshire Hathaway invested $4.3 billion in Alphabet, underlining confidence in the sector. Affected YouTube TV customers may refer to official help docs or CruxBuzz’s blackout explainer for more support.
