Disney and YouTube TV End Blackout: Channels Restored for 10 Million Subscribers

A major television blackout has ended. Disney and YouTube TV reached a new multi-year carriage agreement. The deal restores ESPN, ABC, and other Disney-owned channels.

This concludes a 15-day standoff that left millions without key sports and news programming. The channels went dark on October 30th. Service was fully restored by November 15th.

Resolution Reached After Financial Pain

The dispute centered on pricing and distribution terms. Both companies held firm for two weeks. According to Reuters, the blackout impacted nearly 10 million YouTube TV subscribers.

Disney was losing significant subscriber revenue each week. YouTube TV offered customers credits to retain them. The financial strain pushed both sides back to the negotiating table.

The new deal includes a key bonus for subscribers. It bundles access to the ESPN Unlimited streaming app. This adds value beyond the traditional channel lineup.

What the New Deal Means for Viewers

Subscribers can now watch live sports on ESPN again. ABC’s local news and primetime shows have also returned. All affected channels are back on the service.

The agreement provides long-term stability. A multi-year contract prevents another blackout soon. Customers can plan their viewing without fear of disruption.

This settlement sets a precedent for other streaming services. Carriage disputes are no longer just a cable TV problem. The entire industry was watching this negotiation closely.

The Disney and YouTube TV agreement proves that even streaming giants must compromise. Subscribers ultimately won back their favorite channels.

Thought you’d like to know

Which Disney channels were affected by the blackout?

The blackout included ESPN, ABC, FX, National Geographic, and the Disney Channel. These channels were removed from the YouTube TV lineup. They have all now been restored.

Did YouTube TV offer subscribers a discount?

Yes, YouTube TV provided a $15 credit to affected accounts. This was meant to offset the loss of channels. The credit was applied automatically during the blackout period.

How long did the Disney-YouTube TV blackout last?

The disruption lasted for 15 days in total. It began on October 30, 2025. Service was fully restored on November 14, 2025.

Will YouTube TV prices increase because of this deal?

Price changes have not been announced. Such carriage agreements often lead to future price hikes. For now, subscribers will pay the same rate.

What is ESPN Unlimited access?

ESPN Unlimited is a direct-to-consumer streaming app. It offers additional sports content and original programming. YouTube TV subscribers now get it included with their subscription.