Disney Content Blacked Out on YouTube TV Following Contract Dispute
Disney channels, including ABC and ESPN, were removed from Google's YouTube TV platform after the companies failed to renew their distribution agreement on October 30, 2025.
October 31, 2025 - 12:45 AM ET • 2 min read
Content owned by Disney, including major networks like ABC and ESPN, was suspended from Google's YouTube TV streaming service on Thursday, October 31, after the two corporations failed to reach an agreement to renew their distribution contract. The blackout affects more than 20 channels and all associated Disney content recordings.
The contract between the two companies expired on October 30. YouTube TV stated that it had been unable to reach a "fair deal" despite its best efforts, accusing Disney of using the threat of a blackout to force unfavorable terms.
YouTube TV asserted that Disney was attempting to leverage the negotiations to secure terms that would raise prices for subscribers and benefit Disney's competing live TV products.
"Last week Disney used the threat of a blackout on YouTube TV as a negotiating tactic to force deal terms that would raise prices on our customers," YouTube TV said in a statement.
"They're now following through on that threat, suspending their content on YouTube TV. This decision directly harms our subscribers while benefiting their own live TV products, including Hulu + Live TV and Fubo."
The streaming provider emphasized that it would not agree to terms that would "disadvantage our members while benefiting Disney's own live TV products."
The suspension immediately removed access to a wide variety of programming, including sports, news, and children's content. YouTube TV confirmed that its goal is to restore Disney content, but if the material remains unavailable for an extended period, the company plans to offer affected subscribers a $20 credit.
Subscribers seeking to maintain access to Disney's sports programming were advised by YouTube TV that they could sign up for ESPN directly.
The removal impacts numerous channels across various genres, including broadcast networks, cable sports, and specialized offerings. The affected channels include:
The blackout also affects specific channels available through the Spanish Plan, such as ESPN Deportes, Baby TV Español, and Nat Geo Mundo, as well as the 4K Plus and Spanish Plus add-ons.