Google and Disney have successfully concluded negotiations, leading to the immediate return of all Disney-owned channels, including ESPN, FX, and ABC stations, to the YouTube TV platform following a two-week blackout. The channels began returning to subscribers’ service over the course of the day, restoring access to live feeds and previously saved library content.
In a statement, Google asserted that the newly secured deal “preserves the value of [its] service for [its] subscribers and future flexibility in [its] offers.” The company apologized for the disruption caused by the negotiations, thanking subscribers for their patience during the temporary loss of content.
Disney also expressed satisfaction with the resolution, stating the new agreement “recognizes the tremendous value of Disney’s programming.” The company added that the timing was fortuitous, restoring their networks “in time for fans to enjoy the many great programming options this weekend, including college football.”
The channels had been pulled from YouTube TV on October 31 after the two media giants failed to renew their partnership agreement. Both companies traded accusations at the time: Google claimed Disney used the threat of a blackout to force terms that would raise prices, while Disney accused Google of “refusing to pay fair rates” for their programming.
Under the terms of the new carriage agreement, YouTube TV subscribers will reportedly gain access to selected live and library programming from ESPN Unlimited at no additional cost. Furthermore, Google will now have the flexibility to offer popular Disney+ and Hulu bundles, as well as genre-based channel packages, to its YouTube TV customer base.
In a measure of goodwill, Google has confirmed that subscribers who were affected by the blackout are still eligible to claim the previously offered $20 credit until December 9, compensating them for the period when the Disney channels were inaccessible.