As the clock struck midnight to usher in Halloween, YouTube TV subscribers saw numerous key channels, particularly for sports fans, go dark.
A carriage dispute between the streaming provider and Disney, which owns the ESPN networks, ABC and other popular networks, led to those channels being dropped from the service beginning Oct. 31.
While the multimedia giants exchange statements accusing one another of bargaining in bad faith, viewers are left without shows and games they want to watch.
The good news is, there are alternatives, including streaming options with free trials of varying lengths for new subscribers.
Here are some options for YouTube TV users who don't want to miss out on ESPN programming.
Why are ESPN networks gone from YouTube TV?
YouTube TV and Disney failed to reach an agreement on a new contract before their existing deal expired Oct. 30, prompting the streamer to remove Disney-owned networks, including ESPN, from its service.
The media giants' disagreement centers on rates, with YouTube TV saying Disney is asking for too much and Disney countering that YouTube TV already has a better deal than other distribution partners like Comcast and Charter.
It's the latest in a string of similar disputes between YouTube TV and content providers, but previous clashes with NBC Universal and Fox have mostly been resolved before the deadline without loss of service for subscribers.
MORE: Latest updates on YouTube TV-Disney dispute
Best YouTube TV alternatives
YouTube TV customers who don't want to miss out on their favorite shows and sporting events have options, from broad-based services to sports-specific plans:
Fubo
Fubo carries local ABC channels and all of the ESPN networks and other sport-specific channels like NFL Network.
Fubo also offers a free trial for new subscribers, so you can try the service before you buy. Stream ESPN, ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC and 100+ top channels of live TV and sports without cable. (Participating plans only. Taxes and fees may apply.)
DirecTV
DirecTV offers ABC along with the ESPN networks and more, including TNT and TBS.
DirecTV also offers a free trial for new users, who can stream live football, soccer and more with must-have sports and entertainment channels.
ESPN app
For viewers focused solely on sports, the new ESPN direct-to-consumer service will fill the gap—including games broadcast on ABC.
Stream live NBA, NFL, MLB, NHL, college sports, plus SportsCenter, First Take, and all your favorite ESPN shows—anytime, anywhere—only in the new ESPN app.
Channels missing from YouTube TV amid dispute
These Disney-owned channels are among those not available to YouTube TV subscribers during the blackout:
- ABC
- ESPN
- ESPN2
- ESPNU
- ESPNews
- ACC Network
- SEC Network
- ESPN Deportes
- Disney Channel
- FX
- Nat Geo
ESPN weekend TV schedule
Here are some of the high-profile games set to be broadcast on ESPN networks this weekend:
Friday, Oct. 31
| Event | Time (ET) | TV/Live stream |
|---|---|---|
| Rice vs. No. 25 Memphis | 7 p.m. | ESPN2, Fubo, DirecTV, ESPN app |
| Syracuse vs. UNC | 7:30 p.m. | ESPN, Fubo, DirecTV, ESPN app |
Saturday, Nov. 1
| Event | Time (ET) | TV/Live stream |
|---|---|---|
| No. 20 Texas vs. No. 9 Vanderbilt | 12 p.m. | ABC, Fubo, DirecTV, ESPN app |
| SMU vs. No. 10 Miami | 12 p.m. | ESPN, Fubo, DirecTV, ESPN app |
| Florida vs. No. 5 Georgia | 3:30 p.m. | ABC, Fubo, DirecTV, ESPN app |
| Boston College vs. No. 12 Notre Dame | 3:30 p.m. | ESPN, Fubo, DirecTV, ESPN app |
| California vs. No. 15 Virginia | 3:45 p.m. | ESPN2, Fubo, DirecTV, ESPN app |
| No. 7 Ole Miss vs. South Carolina | 7 p.m. | ESPN, Fubo, DirecTV, ESPN app |
| NC State vs. No. 8 Georgia Tech | 7:30 p.m. | ESPN2, Fubo, DirecTV, ESPN app |
| No. 14 Tennessee vs. No. 18 Oklahoma | 7:30 p.m. | ABC, Fubo, DirecTV, ESPN app |
| No. 24 Utah vs. No. 17 Cincinnati | 10:15 p.m. | ESPN, Fubo, DirecTV, ESPN app |
Sunday, Nov. 2
| Event | Time (ET) | TV/Live stream |
|---|---|---|
| New York City Marathon | 8 a.m. | ESPN2, Fubo, DirecTV, ESPN app |
| Volleyball: No. 2 Texas vs. No. 3 Kentucky | 1 p.m. | ESPN, Fubo, DirecTV, ESPN app |
| Volleyball: No. 16 Tennessee vs. No. 9 Texas A&M | 3 p.m. | ESPN2, Fubo, DirecTV, ESPN app |
| NWSL: San Diego Wave vs. Kansas City Current | 3 p.m. | ESPN, Fubo, DirecTV, ESPN app |
| NWSL: NJ/NY Gotham FC vs. N.C. Courage | 5 p.m. | ESPN, Fubo, DirecTV, ESPN app |
Monday, Nov. 3
| Event | Time (ET) | TV/Live stream |
|---|---|---|
| Women's Basketball: No. 7 Duke vs. No. 16 Baylor | 12 p.m. | ESPN, Fubo, DirecTV, ESPN app |
| Women's Basketball: No. 19 Vanderbilt vs. Cal | 2:30 p.m. | ESPNU, Fubo, DirecTV, ESPN app |
| MNF: Cowboys vs. Cardinals | 8:15 p.m. | ESPN, ESPN2, Fubo, DirecTV, ESPN app |