**YouTube TV and Disney in Ongoing Negotiations Over ABC and ESPN Content**
YouTube TV is currently engaged in critical negotiations with Disney to continue offering Disney-owned content, including ABC and ESPN, to its subscribers. The outcome of these negotiations could significantly impact YouTube TV users, with the potential removal of popular channels if an agreement is not reached.
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**The Current Situation**
On October 24, YouTube TV released a statement addressing the ongoing talks. The platform emphasized that it has been negotiating “in good faith” to secure a fair deal with Disney. However, YouTube TV claims that Disney’s proposed terms are “costly” and would likely lead to higher subscription prices for customers. They also noted that the deal could limit consumer choices while benefiting Disney’s other live TV services such as Hulu + Live TV and FuboTV.
Disney, on the other hand, accused YouTube TV of “exploiting its position at the expense of their own customers,” according to a spokesperson who spoke with the press. The stakes are high; in addition to popular entertainment channels, major sports programming like the NFL, NHL, and college football could also disappear from YouTube TV if negotiations fail.
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**Deadline Approaching**
Both parties have set a firm deadline to resolve the dispute: October 30 at 11:59 PM ET. If no agreement is reached by then, Disney’s content will be removed from YouTube TV’s lineup. In response, YouTube TV has pledged that if Disney’s channels remain unavailable for an extended period, subscribers will receive a $20 credit.
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**Past Negotiation Challenges**
This is not the first time YouTube TV has faced tough negotiations with major content providers.
– In 2021, during discussions with NBCUniversal, there was a significant risk of losing roughly 14 channels from the platform. After tense deliberations, the parties eventually reached a positive agreement.
– Earlier this year, YouTube TV also had to renegotiate terms with Paramount to keep CBS and CBS Sports available. This process threatened about 30 channels, drawing notable public attention. Although a deal was secured, YouTube TV subsequently raised its subscription price by $10 per month.
These past experiences highlight the recurring challenges YouTube TV faces in balancing content costs with service pricing.
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**What’s Next?**
Subscribers should monitor announcements closely as the October 30 deadline approaches. The potential removal of Disney channels like ABC and ESPN would mark a significant change to YouTube TV’s offerings, especially for sports fans and those who regularly watch Disney’s programming.
Stay tuned for updates on the negotiation progress and any official statements from either company.
https://www.androidcentral.com/streaming-tv/youtube-tv/youtube-tv-may-lose-espn-abc-as-disney-delivers-a-stern-warning