Disney and YouTube TV Negotiations: A Long-Standing Standoff

The ongoing negotiations between Disney and YouTube TV are not nearing resolution as quickly as many sports fans hoped. In a recent interview on CNBC’s “Squawk Box,” Disney CFO Hugh Johnston highlighted the challenges ahead, indicating that viewers might face a third consecutive weekend without live sports programming on ABC or ESPN.

Current Situation of Disney and YouTube TV

In his remarks, Johnston stated:

“We’re in the middle of negotiations right now. Things are live, they’re happening. Obviously, as we entered the year, we knew this was going to be a challenging battle, and we prepared ourselves for it. And we’re ready to go as long as they want to.”

This standoff has already significantly impacted Disney’s stock, which saw a decline of over nine percent amidst the ongoing deadlock over carriage fees. Reports suggest that the company could be losing an estimated $30 million per week since the blackout began on October 30.

Impacts on Sports Viewers

The blackout has affected more than 10 million YouTube TV subscribers, who have missed out on key sports events, including two editions of “Monday Night Football” and high-profile college football games. As the stalemate persists, both networks are under pressure to reach an agreement soon.

Earlier reports from The Athletic suggested that while negotiations were progressing, disagreements remained over the costs associated with Disney’s non-sports networks, such as Freeform, FX, and National Geographic.

Alternatives to Watch ESPN and ABC

For those seeking ways to watch ESPN and ABC during this blackout, several streaming platforms offer attractive options. Here are some notable alternatives:

• DIRECTV:

  • Offers a 5-day free trial covering all affected channels.
  • Subscription plans start at $49.99/month for the first month, providing access to NFL, NBA, NHL, and college sports across ESPN and ABC, along with regional sports networks.
• Sling TV:
  • Ideal for viewers who want flexibility, Sling TV offers one-day passes for just $4.99.
  • A Sling Orange Day Pass includes access to ESPN and ESPN2 for a full day.

Voices in the Industry

Amidst the frustration of consumers missing out on live sports, FCC Chair Brendan Carr has urged both companies to resolve their differences:

“Google and Disney need to get a deal done and end this blackout. People should have the right to watch the programming they paid for — including football. Get it done!”

Conclusion

As Disney and YouTube TV continue their negotiations, the stakes are high for both companies and their viewers. The pressure is on to resolve the current standoff quickly, as millions of subscribers eagerly anticipate the return of their favorite sports programming. With various alternatives available, sports fans need not remain entirely in the dark during this challenging period. For the latest developments on this unfolding story, stay tuned to updates from reliable news sources.