ESPN not working on YouTube TV? Three streaming options to watch 'Monday Night Football' amid dispute

Editorial Team
ESPN not working on YouTube TV? Three streaming options to watch 'Monday Night Football' amid dispute image

The heavyweight battle between the Eagles and Packers on Monday Night Football is at risk of being overshadowed by the ongoing corporate clash between Disney (owner of ESPN/ABC) and Google (owner of YouTube TV), leaving millions of fans in the dark. With the two media giants failing to secure a new carriage agreement after the last one expired, the streaming service’s roughly 10 million subscribers have lost access to all Disney channels, including ESPN and ABC.

This prime-time clash between the NFC-leading Eagles and the bounce-back-seeking Packers is a pivotal game with massive playoff implications, yet the media standoff has put fans in the middle of a frustrating carriage fight. Viewership for last week’s Monday Night contest already dropped significantly due to the blackout, and with the two corporate giants reportedly "far apart" in negotiations, this week’s high-profile game has become a highly visible point of leverage — with the consumer as the ultimate loser.

For football fans relying on the streaming service, the potential blackout turns a must-see game into a scramble for alternatives — from dusting off old antennas to signing up for competitor services. As the clock ticks down toward kickoff at Lambeau Field, the outcome may be decided on the field, but millions of fans’ ability to watch hinges on whether the two corporate titans can finally agree on a price.

Here are some alternate ways to watch for YouTube TV subscribers.

MORE: YouTube TV vs. ESPN dispute updates

YouTube TV alternatives

For the millions looking for a different way to watch Eagles-Packers, here are a few options.

Fubo

Fubo is a sports-focused live TV streaming service that carries all the necessary Disney channels, including ESPN networks and local ABC affiliates, ensuring full coverage of the game. A key benefit is that Fubo typically offers a free trial—often up to seven days—for new users.

DirecTV

DirecTV packages also include the Disney-owned channels needed for the game, specifically ABC and ESPN. New subscribers can take advantage of a 5-day free trial to cover the Monday night broadcast. Beyond the trial, the service is known for its extensive channel lineup, including many sports and entertainment options that may appeal to customers seeking a new permanent streaming home.

ESPN App

ESPN recently debuted a direct-to-consumer product called ESPN Unlimited, which allows viewers to pay for live access to the network's linear content directly. This service, accessible through the ESPN app, includes live streams of ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, and programming simulcast on ABC. It is a way for viewers to get the benefit of watching sports on ESPN's networks without committing to a full, multi-channel live TV streaming bundle, though it is a separate, dedicated subscription rather than a free trial.

MORE: Why are YouTube TV-ESPN in a contract dispute?

Channels missing from YouTube TV amid dispute

With ESPN and YouTube TV in a negotiations stalemate, many key channels have been blacked out.

  • ABC
  • ESPN
  • ESPN2
  • ESPNU
  • ESPNews
  • ACC Network
  • SEC Network
  • ESPN Deportes
  • Disney Channel
  • FX
  • Nat Geo

ESPN schedule this week

There is a jam-packed slate on ESPN channels this week, ranging from "Monday Night Football" to some key college basketball matchups.

NFL

DateMatchupTime (ET)TV Channel
11/10Eagles @ Packers8:15 PMESPN/ABC 
11/17Cowboys @ Raiders8:15 PMABC 

NBA

DateMatchupTime (ET)TV Channel
11/12Magic @ Knicks7:00 PMESPN
11/12Lakers @ Thunder9:30 PMESPN

College football

DateMatchupTime (ET)TV Channel
11/15South Carolina at Texas A&M12:00 PMABC or ESPN
11/15Notre Dame at Pitt12:00 PMABC or ESPN
11/15Virginia at Duke3:30 PMESPN or ESPN2
11/15Oklahoma at Alabama3:30 PMABC
11/15NC State at Miami3:30 PMESPN or ESPN2
11/15Florida at Ole Miss7:00 PMESPN
11/15Texas at Georgia7:30 PMABC

College basketball

DateMatchupTime (ET)TV Channel
Mon, 11/10Mississippi State at Iowa State8:00 PMESPNU
Thu, 11/13Purdue at Alabama7:00 PMESPN2
Fri, 11/14No. 7 Michigan at TCU9:00 PMESPN2
Fri, 11/14No. 21 Gonzaga at Arizona State11:00 PMESPN2
Sun, 11/16Houston vs. Auburn3:00 PMESPN

MORE: SEC on ABC viewership reportedly down 32.5 percent in Week 10 amid YouTube dispute

 

Editorial Team