ESPN and other Disney-owned channels are no longer available on YouTube TV as of late October 2025 due to a contract dispute between Disney and Google/YouTube TV. This blackout affects channels like ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPNews, Disney Channel, Disney Junior, Disney XD, Freeform, FX, Nat Geo, and related regional feeds, as well as on-demand and cloud DVR content tied to those networks. If you’re trying to watch ESPN on YouTube TV, you’ll need an alternative pathway until the dispute is resolved.
What you can do now
- Use alternative services that carry ESPN/Disney channels (examples widely reported in 2025 coverage include Hulu + Live TV, Sling, Fubo, and some traditional pay-TV providers). Many of these offer free trials that can provide temporary access to ESPN and ABC while negotiations continue.
- Consider accessing ESPN content directly through ESPN’s own apps or websites if you have a current authentication with a participating TV provider, or via other Disney-owned platforms that still carry the channels in your region. Availability may vary by deal terms and location.
- If you’re a YouTube TV subscriber, stay alert for any credits or goodwill offers. Reports indicated a potential credit (e.g., around $20) if the channels remain unavailable for an extended period, though actual credits depend on the provider’s policy at the time.
Notes and context
- The dispute centers on carriage fees and contract terms between Disney and YouTube TV. The timeline for a resolution has been uncertain since the channels went dark on October 31, 2025.
- News outlets across tech and sports media have documented the blackout and provided guidance on alternative viewing options and credit policies.
If you’d like, I can help you compare current live-TV streaming options that include ESPN/ABC, summarize their trial offers, and estimate costs based on your location and typical viewing needs.
