Disney and ESPN are back on YouTube TV

Disney and ESPN channels are returning to YouTube TV after a two-week absence.
The return comes after a new agreement was reached between Disney and YouTube, which includes the carriage of Disney’s full linear portfolio and ESPN’s direct-to-consumer service at no additional cost.
YouTube TV subscribers will gain access to live and on-demand programming from ESPN Unlimited, as well as select networks in various genre-specific packages.
The deal also allows for the inclusion of the Disney+, Hulu Bundle as part of select YouTube offerings, providing more flexibility and choice for subscribers.
The agreement was reportedly facilitated by CEOs Bob Iger (Disney) and Sundar Pichai (Alphabet), who got involved in negotiations to resolve the dispute.

ESPN and other Disney-owned channels will be returning to YouTube TV following a new agreement announced Friday. More than 20 channels went dark on YouTube TV on October 30th, but two weeks later — and after CEOs Bob Iger and Sundar Pichai reportedly got more involved in negotiations — the companies have reached a deal.

“Key elements” of the deal include, according to Disney:

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

“We’re happy to share that we’ve reached an agreement with Disney that preserves the value of our service for our subscribers and future flexibility in our offers,” YouTube says. “Subscribers should see channels including ABC, ESPN and FX returning to their service over the course of the day, as well as any recordings that were previously in their Library. We apologize for the disruption and appreciate our subscribers’ patience as we negotiated on their behalf.”

“This new agreement reflects our continued commitment to delivering exceptional entertainment and evolving with how audiences choose to watch,’’ Disney Entertainment co-chairmen Alan Bergman and Dana Walden and ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro said in a statement. “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.”

Update, November 14th: Added details from Disney’s press release.

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Q. What happened to Disney and ESPN channels on YouTube TV?

A. More than 20 channels went dark on YouTube TV on October 30th.

Q. Why did Disney and ESPN channels go off YouTube TV in the first place?

A. The exact reason is not specified, but it’s implied that there was a disagreement between the parties involved.

Q. How long were Disney and ESPN channels off YouTube TV?

A. Two weeks passed before an agreement was reached to bring them back on.

Q. Who got more involved in negotiations to resolve the issue?

A. CEOs Bob Iger (Disney) and Sundar Pichai (Google/YouTube) reportedly became more involved in negotiations.

Q. What are some of the key elements of the new deal between Disney and YouTube?

A. The deal includes carriage of Disney’s full linear portfolio, ESPN’s direct-to-consumer service at no additional cost, access to live and on-demand programming from ESPN Unlimited, and select networks in genre-specific packages.

Q. Will subscribers have to pay extra for ESPN’s new direct-to-consumer service?

A. No, according to the deal, the service will be made available at no additional cost to YouTube TV subscribers.

Q. What other benefits does the deal offer to YouTube TV subscribers?

A. Subscribers will also get access to a selection of live and on-demand programming from ESPN Unlimited inside YouTube TV.

Q. Will Disney+ and Hulu Bundle be included in select YouTube offerings?

A. Yes, according to the deal, the Disney+, Hulu Bundle will be available as part of some YouTube offers.

Q. What is the reaction from Disney and ESPN regarding the new agreement?

A. The companies have expressed their happiness with the agreement, saying it preserves the value of their service for subscribers and provides future flexibility in offers.