YouTube TV users were left without access to Disney channels on October 30 due to a dispute over high live-sports fees. This is part of a trend of conflicts between major content providers and streaming services.
The Walt Disney Company owns popular channels like ABC, FX, National Geographic, Disney Channel, and Disney Junior. Unfortunately, it also owns sports-centric channels like ESPN, ESPN2, SEC Network, ACC Network, and ESPN Deportes.
YouTube TV subscribers have lost access to key sports content such as Monday Night Football, College GameDay, college football, and NBA games. This comes at a bad time with the NFL season in full swing and the NBA season starting.
YouTube TV costs $82.99 per month and has around 10 million subscribers. Industry experts estimate that Disney’s networks make up about 25% of YouTube TV’s live content, making this blackout a big blow to subscribers.
In response, YouTube TV has stated that they aim to bring back Disney content and will offer a $20 credit to subscribers if an agreement isn’t reached. However, for sports enthusiasts, this credit may not be enough.
Disney has accused Google of using its market power to avoid fair payment for their channels. ESPN personalities like Stephen A. Smith have taken to social media to rally viewers to a petition against YouTube TV.
For viewers who can’t wait for a resolution, there are options to access Disney and ESPN through other TV providers or by adding ESPN Unlimited Plans for an extra cost.
Without ESPN, fans will miss out on a wide range of sports. Deciding whether to opt for the ESPN Unlimited Plan may require reassessing existing streaming subscriptions.
This standoff could lead cord-cutters to explore Disney’s bundles or seek out sports-viewing alternatives. In the meantime, everyone involved is losing out on sports content.
