Fri Oct 24 07:50:00 UTC 2025: ## YouTube TV Faces Potential Disney Blackout Over Contract Dispute

New York, NY – YouTube TV subscribers could soon lose access to Disney-owned channels like ABC and ESPN as negotiations for a new distribution agreement stall, just weeks after the streaming service averted a similar crisis with NBCUniversal. Disney announced Thursday that it is running public service announcements on YouTube TV, warning subscribers that their programming could be pulled if a deal isn’t reached by the October 30th deadline at 11:59 p.m. ET.

“This is the latest example of Google exploiting its position at the expense of their own customers,” a Disney spokesperson said in a statement. “If we don’t reach a fair deal soon, YouTube TV customers will lose access to ESPN and ABC, and all our marquee programming — including the NFL, college football, NBA and NHL seasons — and so much more.”

The dispute centers on the cost of Disney’s content. Sources familiar with the negotiations say YouTube TV, which boasts around 10 million subscribers, is seeking more favorable rates, arguing its scale warrants them.

YouTube TV countered that Disney’s demands are too high. “We’ve been working in good faith to negotiate a deal with Disney that pays them fairly for their content on YouTube TV,” a spokesperson for the service said. “Unfortunately, Disney is proposing costly economic terms that would raise prices on YouTube TV customers and give our customers fewer choices, while benefiting Disney’s own live TV products – like Hulu + Live TV and, soon, Fubo.”

YouTube TV has stated that if Disney content is removed and remains unavailable for an extended period, subscribers will receive a $20 credit.

Notably, Disney is reportedly willing to offer YouTube TV the same terms it reached with Charter, granting subscribers access to Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ at no extra cost. However, YouTube TV is pushing for the ability to integrate Disney’s streaming content directly into its platform, allowing users to access Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ without leaving the YouTube TV app – a request that was denied during negotiations with NBCUniversal and is unlikely to be granted by Disney.

The situation is further complicated by YouTube’s recent hire of Justin Connolly, a former Disney distribution executive. Disney has filed a breach of contract lawsuit against Connolly, who has reportedly recused himself from the current negotiations.

The clock is ticking as both companies attempt to find a resolution before the October 30th deadline, leaving YouTube TV subscribers in limbo.

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