How to Watch ESPN and ABC for Free After YouTube TV’s Disney Blackout

As of October 31, 2025, YouTube TV subscribers have officially lost access to ESPN, ABC, FX, Disney Channel, and other Disney-owned networks. The blackout follows a failed contract negotiation between Google and Disney, leaving millions of viewers without access just as major sports and entertainment events hit the weekend lineup.

The dispute took effect after the 11:59 p.m. ET deadline on October 31, when Disney pulled its programming from YouTube TV. In a public statement, YouTube TV said it was “unable to reach a fair deal,” confirming that all Disney channels are now unavailable to subscribers. The timing couldn’t be worse, as key college football games and Monday Night Football are part of ESPN’s broadcast schedule this week.

Where and How to Watch ESPN and ABC Without YouTube TV

Fans who lost access still have several options to stream ESPN and ABC for free or at low cost. The simplest solution is to use free trials from alternative live TV streaming services. Platforms like Fubo, DIRECTV Stream, Hulu + Live TV, and Sling TV offer limited-time trials or promotional discounts that include Disney-owned networks such as ESPN, ABC, and FX.

For example, DIRECTV Stream typically provides a five-day free trial, while Fubo and Philo often offer up to seven days. Hulu + Live TV, though Disney-owned, remains unaffected and continues to carry the full lineup. Viewers can also access ABC live through local broadcast signals with a digital antenna—available in most U.S. regions without subscription fees.

Mobile viewers can use the ESPN app or ABC app by logging in through participating TV providers. However, YouTube TV credentials will no longer work until the dispute is resolved. Free streaming trials remain the most accessible short-term solution for fans hoping to watch major matchups like Oklahoma vs. Tennessee, Georgia vs. Florida, or Monday Night Football featuring the Cardinals and Cowboys.

Ongoing Dispute and What It Means for Viewers

This marks the third major dispute YouTube TV has faced in recent months, following similar negotiations with FOX and NBCUniversal. The recurring standoffs raise questions about streaming stability and customer reliability, especially for sports fans who depend on live programming.

Disney and Google have not yet announced a new meeting date or resolution timeline. Both companies claim they are working toward a “fair market agreement,” but neither side appears close to a settlement. The blackout could extend through one of the busiest sports weekends of the fall, impacting college football, NBA coverage, and upcoming NFL primetime games.

For now, the only way to keep watching ESPN and ABC is to switch temporarily to another service offering Disney-owned channels. Until Google and Disney reach a deal, fans will need to rely on free trials, antennas, or alternative apps to stay connected.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: How can I watch ESPN for free after the YouTube TV blackout?

You can sign up for free trials on services like Fubo, Hulu + Live TV, or DIRECTV Stream, which include ESPN in their channel lineup.

Q2: Can I still watch ABC without YouTube TV?

Yes. Use a digital antenna for local ABC broadcasts or start a free trial on streaming services that carry ABC live.

Q3: Why did Disney pull ESPN and ABC from YouTube TV?

Disney and Google failed to renew their carriage agreement by the October 31 deadline, leading to a blackout of all Disney-owned channels.

Q4: When will ESPN and ABC return to YouTube TV?

There’s no confirmed date. Negotiations are ongoing, and both sides have said they’re seeking a fair deal for customers.

Q5: What other channels are affected by the Disney-YouTube TV dispute?

Channels like FX, National Geographic, Disney Channel, and Freeform are also blacked out until the dispute is resolved.