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Disney–Google Dispute Could Leave YouTube TV Viewers Without ABC, ESPN, NFL, NBA And More - Comcast (NASDAQ:CMCSA), Walt Disney (NYSE:DIS)

YouTube TV’s 10 million subscribers face losing Disney channels including ESPN and ABC amid fee disputes and contract talks that could affect sports and prime-time programming.

  • This week The Walt Disney Company began airing notices on its cable networks and eight ABC stations warning YouTube TV subscribers about an expiring distribution contract that expires Oct. 30.
  • At the heart of talks is carriage fees and Google's request for integration rights, with Disney saying Google seeks below-market rates and permission to embed streaming content.
  • YouTube TV, with roughly around 10 million subscribers, could lose access to local ABC stations, ESPN, Disney Channel, Disney Jr., FX, FXX, FXM, NatGeo, and Freeform if negotiations fail, as Disney emphasizes sports as key subscriber drivers.
  • YouTube TV responded that it will remove Disney content without a deal and offer a $20 credit if channels stay unavailable; alternatives include Hulu + Live TV and DIRECTV plans from $35 per month.
  • Industry watchers note this follows multiple carriage disputes this year and includes legal tensions after Justin Connolly, Disney's former head of distribution, joined YouTube TV, prompting a lawsuit rejected by courts.
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On3 broke the news in on Thursday, October 23, 2025.
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