YouTube TV’s deal with Disney is back on the table, which could mean ESPN and other channels will return to subscribers’ screens. However, a major obstacle remains: agreeing on how much to pay for non-sports networks like Freeform, FX, and National Geographic.
The impasse has kept 10 million YouTube TV users without their favorite channels since October 30, including “Monday Night Football” and college football programming. Disney’s quarterly earnings are scheduled for Thursday, which could prompt a deal.
A bundle of channels has been a sticking point in negotiations between Disney and distributors like YouTube TV. The company claims the extra channels are discounted, while those on the receiving end say they’re being forced to pay more.
Sources indicate that Google CEO Sundar Pichai and Disney’s Bob Iger are now more involved in talks, which is a sign of renewed momentum. However, YouTube TV’s global head of media and sports, Justin Connolly, has been excluded from negotiations due to his recent switch to the company.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6801582/2025/11/12/youtubetv-espn-disney-update-dispute