YouTube TV and Disney have finally patched things up. After a two-week blackout that pulled ESPN, ABC, FX, and more than 20 other Disney-owned channels from the service, the two companies have reached a new distribution deal, and subscribers should start seeing their channels return.
The standoff reportedly escalated to the point where Disney CEO Bob Iger and Google CEO Sundar Pichai became personally involved, but the new agreement brings back Disney’s entire linear portfolio. That includes the full suite of ESPN networks, Disney Channel, Freeform, National Geographic, and all FX channels.
The bigger twist is what YouTube TV subscribers are getting on top. As part of the deal, ESPN’s upcoming direct-to-consumer service, which is ESPN Unlimited, will be included at no extra cost for YouTube TV customers. Viewers will get access to a selection of live and on-demand programming from ESPN Unlimited directly inside the YouTube TV app when the new service launches.
Disney also says certain networks will be folded into new genre-specific packages, and the Disney+ / Hulu bundle will be available as an add-on to select YouTube TV offerings, giving subscribers more flexibility over how they build their plan.
YouTube said in a statement that recordings previously missing from users’ Libraries will also return, adding: “We apologize for the disruption and appreciate our subscribers’ patience as we negotiated on their behalf.”
For Disney, the deal is being framed as recognition of the “tremendous value” of its programming, and the timing is convenient. With college football kicking off another packed weekend, ESPN returning to millions of homes avoids what could have been an even louder subscriber backlash.
The dispute may be over, but it’s another reminder that as streaming reshapes TV economics, carriage fights aren’t going anywhere. This time, at least, viewers come away with slightly sweeter terms.
