A massive carriage dispute rages on just as a jam-packed sports weekend begins, as more than 20 Disney-owned channels, including ESPN and ABC, were abruptly pulled from YouTube TV at the stroke of midnight after the two media giants failed to reach a new distribution agreement.
The blackout, which leaves millions of subscribers without crucial coverage of NFL, NBA, and a weekend slate featuring 13 of the Top 25 college football teams, hinges on a fierce financial battle over carriage fees.
YouTube TV accuses Disney of demanding costly terms that would raise prices and benefit its rival streaming products (Hulu + Live TV), while Disney counters that the Google-owned service is "refusing to pay fair rates" that recognize the immense value of its programming.
MORE: Latest YouTube TV and ESPN dispute updates
ESPN unavailable on YouTube TV?
ESPN is not working on YouTube TV because the distribution agreement between Google (YouTube TV's parent company) and The Walt Disney Company (ESPN's owner) expired, and the two sides failed to negotiate a new contract before the deadline.
We've tried our hardest, but a fair agreement couldn't be reached, so as of today, YouTube TV will no longer carry Disney programming. You'll consequently be unable to view channels such as ABC and ESPN, nor will you be able to access recordings from these networks within your Library.
— YouTube TV (@YouTubeTV) October 31, 2025
As a result of the expired agreement, Disney pulled over 20 channels from the YouTube TV lineup, including ESPN, ESPN2, ABC, FX and the Disney Channel. The channels went dark just before midnight on Thursday, Oct. 30.
YouTube TV has announced it will offer a $20 credit to subscribers if the Disney channels remain off the platform for an "extended period of time." Both companies state they are committed to reaching a resolution, though no timeline has been set for when the channels will return.
MORE: Why is ESPN not working on YouTube TV?
Watch ESPN outside YouTube TV
With ESPN not available on YouTube TV, millions of subscribers will be looking somewhere else for games, especially if the matter is not resolved before Saturday's college football slate.
Fubo — which offers a free trial — carries the entire ESPN family of networks. There are other platforms as well that offer similar services.
| Streaming option | Cable subscription needed? | Free? | Cost | Free trial? |
| NFL+ (mobile only) | No | No | $6.99/month | Yes |
| NFL+ Premium | No | No | $14.99/month | Yes |
| Fubo | No | No | $79.99/month | Yes |
| Hulu + Live TV | No | No | $75.99/month | Yes |
| Sling TV | No | No | $40/month | Yes |
| DirecTV Entertainment | No | No | $49.99/month | Yes |
| DirecTV Choice | No | No | $59.99/month | Yes |
| DirecTV Ultimate | No | No | $89.99/month | Yes |
BENDER: Projecting the College Football Playoff field
YouTube TV: ESPN return?
While ESPN and YouTube TV appear to be in a stalemate, both sides seem committed to finding a resolution.
Currently, it's unknown when exactly YouTube TV will get ESPN back. But, if the channels are gone for "an extended period of time," the platform is offering credit to subscribers.
We know how disruptive it is to lose channels you enjoy, and we’re committed to continuing to work with Disney to reach an agreement. If their content is unavailable for an extended period of time, we'll offer our members a $20 credit. For updates, visit https://t.co/fn10CU7gfP.
— YouTube TV (@YouTubeTV) October 31, 2025
ESPN: YouTube TV Return Date?
There is no set time to when ESPN will return to YouTube TV as the two sides continue to negotiate a new contract.
If a deal is reached, ESPN channels could become available immediately.
MORE: College football games impacted by YouTube TV-ESPN outage during Week 10