Does YouTube TV Have ABC? Disney and Google Dispute Triggers Major Channel Blackout

Disney content has officially gone dark on YouTube TV after the companies failed to reach a new licensing deal. Subscribers woke up on November 1, 2025, to find major channels such as ABC and ESPN missing from their lineup. The blackout affects millions of viewers across the U.S. who rely on the Google-owned streaming platform for live sports and entertainment.

This outage is the result of a carriage dispute between YouTube TV and Disney, one that directly impacts access to key channels including ABC affiliates, ESPN networks, FX, and National Geographic. The timing could not be worse, as it coincides with a weekend packed with college football, NFL, and NBA games.

Disney vs. YouTube TV: What’s Behind the Dispute?

The blackout began after the companies’ previous carriage agreement expired Thursday night. YouTube TV claims Disney demanded “unreasonable terms” that would force the platform to raise subscription prices. Google’s live TV service says it is standing firm against what it calls an “industry-wide pricing problem.”

In a statement, YouTube TV accused Disney of using the threat of a blackout as a negotiation tactic. The company also argued that the move benefits Disney’s own streaming products, such as Hulu + Live TV and ESPN’s standalone platform. Disney, however, refuted these claims, stating that YouTube TV has “refused to pay fair market rates” for its channels and is leveraging its market power to undercut industry standards.

Disney executives Dana Walden, Alan Bergman, and Jimmy Pitaro told employees that YouTube TV removed Disney content even before the official contract expiration, and also deleted users’ previously recorded programming. The Associated Press reported that both companies remain “committed to reaching a resolution,” though no timeline has been provided.

Which Channels Are Currently Unavailable?

YouTube TV subscribers have lost access to all Disney-owned networks. This includes ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, FX, FXX, National Geographic, Disney Channel, Freeform, and regional college networks such as the SEC Network and ACC Network. Add-on features like 4K Plus and Spanish Plus are also affected.

Subscribers can still access other networks like NBC, CBS, Fox, Hallmark, PBS, and BBC, but Disney content—including key sports coverage—remains unavailable. The disruption could have a major effect on fans planning to watch major college football matchups or Sunday NFL broadcasts through ABC and ESPN.

What Options Do Viewers Have Now?

Disney recommends viewers use other platforms like Hulu + Live TV, Fubo, or ESPN’s own streaming service, which starts at $29.99 per month. A bundle option with Hulu and Disney+ is available at $35.99 monthly, with an introductory rate of $29.99 for the first year. Alternatively, fans can turn to traditional broadcasting for ABC through a digital antenna.

YouTube TV said it will issue a $20 credit to subscribers if Disney content remains unavailable “for an extended period.” The service’s base plan costs $82.99 per month and offers more than 100 channels. For now, though, sports fans are the most affected by this corporate standoff.

Both companies insist they are working toward an agreement, but viewers remain caught in the middle. Until a new deal is reached, YouTube TV does not currently have ABC or other Disney networks available for streaming.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Does YouTube TV currently have ABC?

No. ABC and other Disney-owned channels have been removed from YouTube TV due to an expired carriage agreement.

Q2: Why did Disney pull its channels from YouTube TV?

The companies failed to agree on new contract terms. Disney says YouTube TV refused to pay fair rates, while Google argues Disney demanded unreasonable fees.

Q3: How can viewers still watch ABC or ESPN content?

They can access it through traditional broadcast antennas or Disney-owned platforms like Hulu + Live TV, ESPN, or Disney+ bundles.

Q4: Will YouTube TV compensate subscribers?

Yes. The service has said it will offer a $20 credit if Disney channels remain unavailable for an extended time.

Q5: Has this happened before?

Yes. In 2021, a similar Disney-YouTube TV dispute caused a brief two-day blackout before the companies reached a new deal.