Google and Disney reach deal, giving YouTube TV subscribers access to ABC, ESPN, FX

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fILE - The YouTube TV logo appears on the screen of a smartphone and in the background on the computer screen in Reno, United States, on Dec. 15, 2024. (Photo by Jaque Silva/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Google and Disney have reached an agreement, giving YouTube TV subscribers access once again to channels such as ABC, ESPN and FX. 

What they're saying:

YouTube TV, which is owned by Google, said subscribers should see these channels return to their service "over the course of the day." 

"We’re happy to share that we’ve reached a deal with Disney to bring their content back to YouTube TV. Subscribers should see channels including ABC, ESPN, and FX returning to their service over the course of the day. Thanks for your patience and for being a valued member," YouTube TV said in a tweet on Friday. 

Beyond ESPN and ABC, other Disney-owned content removed from YouTube TV during the impasse included channels like NatGeo, FX, Freeform, SEC Network, ACC Network and more.

Contract dispute between Disney and Google

The backstory:

Disney content was pulled from YouTube TV after a carriage agreement expired in late October. The two sides had been unable to reach a new deal to continue licensing Disney channels on the platform — resulting in the blackout.

YouTube TV said that Disney is proposing terms that would be too costly, resulting in higher prices and fewer choices for its subscribers. Google’s streamer has accused Disney of following through on "the threat of a blackout on YouTube TV as a negotiating tactic" — and claims that the move also benefits Disney’s own streaming products like Hulu + Live TV and Fubo.

The other side:

Meanwhile, Disney said that YouTube TV has refused to pay fair rates of its channels — and is therefore choosing "to deny their subscribers the content they value most." The California entertainment giant also accused Google of "using its market dominance to eliminate competition and undercut the industry-standard terms we’ve successfully negotiated with every other distributor."

YouTube TV’s base subscription plan costs $82.99 per month — which, beyond Disney content, currently includes live TV offerings from networks like NBC, CBS, Fox, PBS and more. The platform previously said it would give subscribers a $20 credit its dispute with Disney lasted "an extended period of time" — which it reportedly allowed customers to start claiming on Nov. 9.

Disney also doles out live TV through both traditional broadcasting and its own lineup of streaming platforms. ESPN launched its own streamer earlier this year, starting at $29.99 a month. And other Disney content can be found on platforms like Hulu, Disney+ and Fubo. Disney currently allows people to bundle ESPN along with Hulu and Disney+ for $35.99 a month — or $29.99 a month for the first year.