Disney, YouTube TV reach agreement ending two week dispute
The dispute between the Walt Disney Company and YouTube TV is now over.
Officials announced Friday that a multi-year distribution agreement has been reached between the two media groups.
Key elements of the agreement include:
- Carriage of Disney’s full linear portfolio including all the ESPN networks, ABC, the Disney-branded channels, Freeform, the FX Networks, and the National Geographic channels
- ESPN’s new direct-to-consumer service (Unlimited Plan) to be made available at no additional cost to YouTube TV subscribers
- Access to a selection of live and on-demand programming from ESPN Unlimited inside YouTube TV
- Select networks to be included in various genre-specific packages
- The ability to include the Disney+, Hulu Bundle as part of select YouTube offerings
“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. “It recognizes the tremendous value of Disney’s programming and provides YouTube TV subscribers with more flexibility and choice. We are pleased that our networks have been restored in time for fans to enjoy the many great programming options this weekend, including college football.”
On Sunday, YouTube TV began offering a $20 rebate to customers who have been left without ABC, ESPN, SEC Network and other Disney channels due to contract negotiations between the two companies.
As part of the new deal, Disney said its full suite of networks and stations have already begun to be restored to YouTube TV subscribers.
