Another potential carriage dispute is looming, and this time it could hit sports fans right where it hurts. YouTube TV’s deal with Disney is set to expire next week, and both sides are already posturing publicly as the deadline approaches.
The current agreement between the two companies is set to end October 30 at 11:59 p.m. ET, according to CNBC. If no deal is reached, YouTube TV subscribers could lose access to Disney-owned networks. This includes ESPN, ABC and their family of channels. Disney has already started preparing its audience for the possibility. ESPN began airing ads Thursday afternoon warning viewers that its networks could go dark on YouTube TV if negotiations fail.
In a statement to CNBC, a Disney spokesperson said the company remains hopeful it can reach a “fair deal” with Google, which owns YouTube TV. However, the company did not mince words about its view of the negotiations.
“This is the latest example of Google exploiting its position at the expense of their own customers,” the spokesperson said. “If we don’t reach a fair deal soon, YouTube TV customers will lose access to ESPN and ABC, and all our marquee programming. Including the NFL, college football, NBA and NHL seasons — and so much more.”
YouTube TV responded with its own statement, saying it has been negotiating “in good faith.” While accusing Disney of demanding “costly economic terms” that would drive up subscription prices.
“We’ve been working in good faith to negotiate a deal with Disney that pays them fairly for their content,” a company spokesperson told CNBC. “Unfortunately, Disney is proposing costly economic terms that would raise prices on YouTube TV customers and give our customers fewer choices, while benefiting Disney’s own live TV products — like Hulu + Live TV and, soon, Fubo.”
The streamer added that if the channels are pulled, subscribers will receive a $20 credit.
The timing couldn’t be worse for sports fans or ESPN. The NBA season just tipped off this week, joining an already packed lineup that includes Monday Night Football, NHL broadcasts and a full slate of college football games.
ABC has also been riding high this fall, airing several of the most-watched college football matchups of the season. With Disney holding SEC media rights, both ABC and ESPN have been critical homes for the conference’s marquee games.
Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. To stay updated, sign up for our newsletters and get the latest information delivered straight to your inbox.
