YouTube TV, Disney Cut Deal Ending Blackout of ESPN, ABC

Google and Disney finally ended their standoff, announcing a multiyear agreement on pricing and terms for a renewed carriage deal for YouTube TV.

Under the new agreement, ESPN’s full lineup—including ESPN Unlimited content—will be available to base-plan YouTube TV subscribers at no additional cost by the end of 2026.

Disney’s networks went dark on the internet TV service just before midnight ET on Thursday, Oct. 30, after the two sides failed to reach a deal before the previous contract expired, Todd Spangler reported for Variety.

Under the new agreement, ESPN’s full lineup—including ESPN Unlimited content—will be available to base-plan YouTube TV subscribers at no additional cost by the end of 2026.

In addition, a selection of live and on-demand programming from ESPN Unlimited will be included in YouTube TV.

The deal also allows YouTube to offer the Disney+ and Hulu bundle as part of “select YouTube offerings.” Disney noted that “select networks” will be included in various genre-specific packages via YouTube TV.

“This new agreement reflects our continued commitment to delivering exceptional entertainment and evolving with how audiences choose to watch,” said Disney Entertainment co-chairmen Alan Bergman and Dana Walden, and ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro, in a joint statement.