Disney, YouTube and ESPN
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ESPN, ABC and other networks have returned to YouTube TV's streaming platform after a licensing dispute that affected millions of subscribers.
An agreement to bring Disney programming back to YouTube TV subscribers after a two-week blackout shows how the center of gravity has shifted from linear television to streaming.
Disney's channels have been blocked from YouTube TV since Oct. 30 as the two companies negotiate a new carriage deal.
Disney in late October pulled ESPN, ABC and other programming from YouTube TV after the sides failed to reach a distribution deal. The new agreement is a "multi-year" deal, Disney said.
While Disney stocks dipped after the call, partly in response to the YouTube TV outlook, Iger said that a strong lineup of movies through the rest of 2025 will likely bolster the entertainment division’s income overall and offset any potential future loss from the prolonged fight.
ESPN announced a notable decision regarding its college football pregame show after making a deal with YouTube TV.
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YouTube TV vs. ESPN dispute updates: Latest news and other options to watch live sports
Most major carrier disputes seem to end before a significant number of viewers are affected, but Google's YouTube TV and Disney's ESPN remain locked in a stalemate. Per Disney, negotiations could "could go for a little while.