Disney-owned channels, including ESPN, are set to return to YouTube TV after a recent agreement was reached. The dispute had led to over 20 channels going dark on YouTube TV on October 30th, but after intervention from the CEOs of Disney and Google, a deal has been struck.
One key outcome of this agreement is that ESPN’s full lineup of sports will be accessible to subscribers of the base YouTube TV plan by the end of next year, as reported by Variety.
YouTube expressed satisfaction with the resolution, stating, ‘We’re pleased to have reached an agreement with Disney that preserves the value of our service for our subscribers and provides them with continued access to Disney’s content. 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.’
Disney Entertainment co-chairmen Alan Bergman and Dana Walden, along with ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro, highlighted the significance of the agreement, stating, ‘This new agreement reflects our continued commitment to delivering exceptional entertainment and evolving with how audiences choose to watch. It recognizes the value of Disney’s programming and provides YouTube TV subscribers with more flexibility and choice.’
Source: The Verge