YouTube TV dropped ABC, ESPN, and 20+ Disney channels at midnight ET on Oct. 31, 2025. More than 10 million subscribers lost access instantly. The two giants couldn’t agree on carriage fees. Disney demanded higher prices while Google refused to budge.
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🔥 Quick Facts:
- Full blackout started Oct. 31, 2025 at midnight ET when carriage deal expired
- 20 channels went dark: ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, Freeform, FX, Nat Geo, Disney Channel, and more
- 10+ million YouTube TV subscribers affected across the nation
- $82.99/month YouTube TV base price; $20 credit offered if outage extends
- Sports impact severe: College football, NFL Monday Night, college basketball games lost
What Happened With the Disney Carriage Dispute
YouTube TV and Disney started negotiations months ago. The two sides couldn’t reach common ground on price. Disney wanted rate increases for ESPN and other networks. Google said the demands were unreasonable.
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On Oct. 23, Disney warned customers publicly that channels might disappear. The deadline hit 11:59 p.m. ET on Oct. 30, 2025. No deal emerged. By midnight, all Disney content vanished.
“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.”
Google fired back hard, accusing Disney of using the blackout as leverage. YouTube TV claimed Disney wanted higher prices to push customers toward Hulu + Live TV and Fubo.
Why This Carriage Battle Matters for Subscribers
This blackout hits different from typical disputes. College football and the NFL are in full swing right now. Sports fans can’t access games. Local news on ABC stations disappeared nationwide. This impacts 10 million homes.
The core issue? Streaming services now have massive negotiating power. YouTube TV became the largest internet TV provider in America. It can push back against studios. But Disney refuses to budge on rates.
For viewers, the message stings: Prices keep rising. Either YouTube TV raises its monthly fee or loses channels. YouTube TV costs $82.99/month now—more than double its 2017 launch price of $35/month.
Full List of Channels Lost and Timeline Details
Disney pulled 20+ networks from YouTube TV completely. This blackout ranks among the largest in recent streaming history.
| Category | Affected Networks |
|---|---|
| Sports | ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPNews, SEC Network, ACC Network, ESPN Deportes |
| Entertainment | ABC, Freeform, FX, FXX, FXM, Disney Channel, Disney Junior, Disney XD |
| Documentary | National Geographic, Nat Geo Wild, Nat Geo Mundo |
| News | ABC News Live, Local ABC Stations Nationwide, Localish |
October 23: Disney warns YouTube TV customers. October 30: Final negotiation deadline expires. October 31: Midnight blackout takes effect.
Early reports show YouTube TV removed channels even ahead of midnight. Users complained their DVR recordings from Disney networks vanished too.
What Sports Fans Should Know Right Now
- Week 10 college football: 13 top-25 teams played games only on ESPN channels
- Monday Night Football: Arizona Cardinals vs. Dallas Cowboys game unavailable
- NBA games: Scheduled broadcasts disappear entirely for YouTube TV users
- ACC and SEC games: Conference networks went fully dark immediately
- No clear resolution timeline: Previous disputes lasted 10-13 days on average
Can YouTube TV and Disney Reach a Deal Soon?
History suggests this could last weeks. In 2024, a Disney-DirecTV battle went 13 days before resolving. Disney and Charter fought for 10 days back in 2023.
Both sides seem dug in on this one. Disney claims Google leverages its size unfairly. Google says Disney demands are unaffordable. YouTube TV offered $20 credits if the outage lasts extended periods.
The twist? Justin Connolly, who led Disney distribution strategy for 20 years, now works for YouTube. Disney sued to block his hiring. A judge allowed it anyway, and they settled recently. This adds tension to negotiations.
Will Other Streaming Services Face Similar Blackouts?
YouTube TV battled Fox, NBCUniversal, Paramount, and TelevisaUnivision earlier this year too. Most reached deals without going dark, but Univision disappeared for nearly one month.
The real question: Is this the future of streaming? 10 million YouTube TV subscribers depend on reaching an agreement fast. But will corporate greed keep winning? Or will consumers finally say enough is enough?
Sources
- Los Angeles Times – Comprehensive coverage of contract negotiations and subscriber impact
- Variety – Complete breakdown of channel losses and Disney-Google statements
- CNN Business – Analysis of carriage fee disputes and market dynamics
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Daniel Harris is a specialist journalist focused on the crossroads of breaking news, extraordinary history, and enduring legends. With a background in historical research and storytelling, he blends timely reporting with timeless narratives, making complex events and ancient myths resonate with today’s readers. Daniel’s work often uncovers surprising links between present-day headlines and legendary tales, offering unique perspectives that captivate diverse audiences. Beyond reporting, he is passionate about preserving oral traditions and exploring how extraordinary stories continue to shape culture and identity.