Disney is warning viewers that its networks, including ABC and ESPN, could go dark on Google’s YouTube TV as early as next week as contract renewal negotiations stall.
Disney says that as it continues to negotiate with Google over a new YouTube TV deal, the internet giant is using its market power to force media companies into contracts with below-market shipping rates. YouTube TV is the largest Internet-delivered pay-TV service in the United States, with an estimated number of over 10 million subscribers.
Disney’s current YouTube distribution agreement is scheduled to expire at midnight ET on October 30th. The deal covers local ABC stations, the ESPN family of networks, ABC News, Disney Channel, Disney Junior, FX, FXX, FXM, NatGeo and Freeform. Disney will display an on-screen scroll on its network about the potential YouTube TV outage, along with messages across social media platforms.
YouTube said it would extend a $20 credit to subscribers if the Disney network is removed from YouTube TV for an “extended period.”
Disney’s warning comes after YouTube TV has been involved in four other distribution disputes this year alone. After contentious contract negotiations, YouTube TV and Paramount Global (now Paramount Skydance) renewed their agreement in February to broadcast CBS stations and more than 20 other channels nationwide. Fox Corp. and YouTube TV reached an August 2025 renewal after public back and forth, and NBCUniversal signed a long-term deal with Google earlier this month. Meanwhile, YouTube TV discontinued its other networks owned by Univision and Televisa Univision at the end of September after the two sides failed to reach a new agreement.
“For the fourth time in three months, Google’s YouTube TV is putting its subscribers at risk of losing the most valuable network they signed up for,” a Disney spokesperson said in a statement to Variety. “This is the latest example of Google abusing its position at the expense of its own customers. We invest heavily in our content, and we expect our partners to pay us a fair price for what they value. If we don’t reach a fair agreement soon, YouTube TV customers will lose access to all major programming, including ESPN and ABC, as well as the NFL, college football, NBA and NHL seasons.”
A YouTube spokesperson said in a statement: “We have worked in good faith to negotiate a deal with Disney that pays them fairly for content on YouTube TV. Unfortunately, Disney is proposing expensive economic terms that increase prices and reduce customer choice for YouTube TV customers, while benefiting Disney’s own live TV products such as Hulu + Live TV and soon Fubo. Without an agreement, Disney content will have to be removed from YouTube.” We offer subscribers a $20 credit if their TV is unavailable for an extended period of time. ”
In 2023, Disney and Charter Communications publicly fought over the renewal before both sides resolved their differences to avoid a power outage. In 2024, ESPN and the rest of DisneyNet ceased broadcasting on DirecTV for nearly two weeks until a new deal was reached. Earlier this month, Disney signed a renewal agreement with Comcast for the continued operation of the Mouse House network.
Citing Nielsen data, Disney says viewership of its network among YouTube TV households is up more than 15% year-over-year, based on total viewing time.
Disney and YouTube have a rocky relationship. Justin Connolly, a former head of distribution at Disney, joined YouTube this spring as vice president of global media. Disney sued YouTube and Connolly, alleging breach of contract and seeking an injunction against his employment at Google, citing in part Connolly’s knowledge of Disney regarding YouTube TV contract renewal negotiations. A California Superior Court judge ruled against Disney in this case.
Pictured above: ABC’s “Abbott Elementary School”
