When Will Disney Channels Be Back On YouTube TV? Latest Update Explained

YouTube TV subscribers have been without ESPN, ABC, and other Disney-owned channels for more than a week due to a contract dispute between Google and The Walt Disney Company. As of November 8, 2025, both sides are reportedly negotiating again to restore the networks and end the blackout that has frustrated millions of viewers.

The outage began after the carriage agreement between Google and Disney expired on October 30, leaving key Disney networks—including ESPN, ABC, FX, Freeform, and National Geographic—unavailable to YouTube TV users. Both companies have blamed each other for the impasse, each claiming the other’s financial demands are unreasonable.

Ongoing Negotiations Between Google and Disney

Reports indicate that Google and Disney representatives are now back at the table discussing a new carriage deal. According to multiple industry updates, the companies are under pressure to reach an agreement quickly, as the blackout has already affected high-profile live sports broadcasts and prime-time programming.

Sources close to the talks suggest that the central disagreement revolves around carriage fees and long-term rights to future streaming bundles. YouTube TV wants to limit price hikes for subscribers, while Disney is pushing for what it considers fair market value for its networks—especially ESPN, one of the most expensive channels in the live-TV landscape.

In a public update, YouTube TV confirmed that it would issue a $20 credit to customers if the blackout continues. The platform also hinted it might compensate users for the lost days once a resolution is reached. Disney, meanwhile, has maintained that it values its partnership with YouTube TV and hopes for a “mutually beneficial” agreement soon.

For now, the key question remains unanswered: when will Disney channels be back on YouTube TV? While optimism surrounds the renewed negotiations, no timeline or firm deal announcement has been made yet. Industry analysts warn that while many carriage disputes resolve in a matter of days, some have lasted several weeks before service was restored.

How the Blackout Affects Viewers and Both Companies

The absence of ESPN and ABC has left YouTube TV subscribers without access to some of the most-watched sports broadcasts, including college football and NFL matchups. The timing is especially critical as the fall sports season reaches its peak.

For Google, the blackout risks driving frustrated customers to rival streaming services such as Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, or Fubo. For Disney, the dispute could lead to declining viewership and ad revenue for its sports and entertainment networks during a lucrative ratings period. Both companies have reputational damage to manage as social media complaints grow daily.

Negotiations between Google and Disney will likely continue through the weekend. If both sides can finalize terms, ESPN and ABC could return to YouTube TV in time for the next NFL Monday Night Football broadcast. However, if talks collapse again, subscribers may have to wait longer for the channels to come back.

In short, Disney and Google are still negotiating to restore ESPN and other Disney channels on YouTube TV. While progress has been reported, no official deal has been confirmed as of November 8, 2025.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: When will Disney channels be back on YouTube TV?

No date has been confirmed yet, but Google and Disney are currently negotiating to restore service soon.

Q2: Which Disney networks are affected?

All major Disney-owned channels are unavailable, including ESPN, ABC, FX, Freeform, Disney Channel, and National Geographic.

Q3: Why were the channels removed?

The blackout occurred because the previous carriage contract between Disney and Google expired, and both sides have yet to agree on new pricing terms.

Q4: What compensation is YouTube TV offering?

YouTube TV has promised a $20 credit if the dispute continues. It may also issue credits for missed days once a resolution is reached.

Q5: Could the blackout last longer?

Yes. While many disputes resolve within days, similar industry standoffs have sometimes stretched for several weeks before channels returned.