ESPN has hit out at YouTube TV as Disney-owned channels have disappeared from the streaming service as they haven’t yet agreed on a new deal.
YouTube TV has been one of the most popular ways for cord-cutters to still get their TV fix, especially if they’re a sports fan. It’s home to a raft of channels, broadcasting the NFL, college basketball, football, and beyond.
However, the streaming platform has been in a few rights disputes over the last few years. In February, the price of the Google-owned service was increased to $82.99 despite the fact that 20 channels from Paramount+ had been removed. Though a temporary deal was put in place over the dispute.
More recently, YouTube TV and Disney have been unable to agree on a new deal over several channels, including ESPN and ABC.
ESPN & Disney-owned channels drop off YouTube TV
“Unfortunately, Google’s YouTube TV has chosen to deny their subscribers the content they value most by refusing to pay fair rates for our channels, including ESPN and ABC. Without a new agreement in place, their subscribers will not have access to our programming, which includes the best lineup in live sports — anchored by the NFL, NBA, and college football, with 13 of the top 25 college teams playing this weekend,” ESPN said on X (formerly Twitter) on October 31.
They accused Google of trying to “eliminate competition and undercut the industry-standard terms” that Disney had agreed with other distributors.
“We know how frustrating this is for YouTube TV subscribers and remain committed to working toward a resolution as quickly as possible.”
Just as in their dispute with Paramount, YouTube have promised a $20 credit if there is an “extended period” where YouTube TV subscribers cannot access ESPN and the likes.
“We know this is a frustrating and disappointing outcome for our subscribers and we continue to urge Disney to work with us constructively to reach a fair agreement that restores their networks to YouTube TV,” they said.
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