Why is ESPN Not on YouTube TV?
ESPN is currently not available on YouTube TV the channel and all other major Disney-owned networks went dark for 10+ million subscribers at exactly midnight ET, Thursday, following the collapse of contract negotiations. Search interest surged after this blackout, which hit just as a huge college football weekend and Monday Night Football approached, causing significant confusion and frustration for sports fans.
It’s about carriage fees again. Disney pushed for an increase in what YouTube TV pays per subscriber, reportedly arguing that their sports rights investments (NFL, NBA, etc.) deserve higher compensation. Google, negotiating on behalf of YouTube TV, insisted on rates closer to what larger cable companies pay refusing big hikes that would push base prices even higher for customers. SleeperCFB, posting on X via @SleeperCFB, reported that Disney/ESPN is no longer available on YouTubeTV due to a carriage dispute.
Disney also wanted enhanced access for ESPN’s planned streaming app built into the new deal, while YouTube TV saw the looming price hike as unfair. This dispute hit not just ESPN, but also ABC, FX, Freeform, National Geographic, Disney Channel, and 12+ other networks. ESPN PR, posting on X via @ESPNPR, shared an official statement regarding Google’s YouTube TV.
It’s not a one-off: similar carriage battles have hit Roku (HBO Max, 2021) and Peacock (Xfinity, 2024), leading to blackouts or last-minute deals
What Happened to ESPN on YouTube TV?
On Thursday Midnight, Disney pulled ESPN, ABC, FX, and sixteen other channels off YouTube TV after both companies failed to renew their carriage agreement. The dispute boiled down to pricing: Disney (ESPN’s parent) wanted higher carriage fees, and Google (YouTube TV) balked. YouTube TV, posting on X via @YouTubeTV, announced that Disney programming, including ABC and ESPN, is no longer available due to a failed deal.
During the blackout, YouTube TV’s 10 million subscribers saw ESPN and related channels go offline with no streaming access to college football, NFL, or other major sports events right at the peak of the season.
Is ESPN on YouTube TV Right Now?
No. ESPN is not on YouTube TV as of October 31, 2025. All Disney-owned channels ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ABC, FX, National Geographic, Freeform, Disney Channel were removed at midnight ET. The official YouTube TV base plan still costs $82.99/month, but you aren’t getting ESPN or those other removed channels until a new deal is reached.
Disclaimer:
Information provided here is accurate as of October 31, 2025, based on reliable news and official statements about the ESPN and Disney blackout on YouTube TV. Channel availability and lineup can change unexpectedly; always check your own streaming account and the service provider’s official resources for the latest updates.
