YouTube TV nearly lost 14 channels due to a contract disagreement with NBCUniversal. This situation reoccurred earlier this month when YouTube TV and NBCUniversal reached an agreement at the last minute. More recently, YouTube TV is embroiled in yet another contract conflict, this time with Disney. Consequently, YouTube TV subscribers may potentially lose access to ESPN and ABC.
“This is yet another instance of Google taking advantage of its position to the detriment of its customers,” stated a Disney representative in a comment to Variety. “We make substantial investments in our content and anticipate our partners to offer reasonable rates that reflect that value. If we don’t come to an equitable agreement soon, YouTube TV subscribers will no longer have access to ESPN and ABC, along with our premier programming — including the NFL, college football, NBA and NHL seasons — and much more.”
YouTube TV, on the other hand, maintains that it has been negotiating in good faith. It claims that Disney is pursuing advantageous terms that are economically unviable and would eventually lead to an increased cost for a service that already charges $82.99 per month. Interestingly, YouTube TV hints that Disney is at ease with taking a hardline negotiating stance due to its “own live TV offerings – such as Hulu + Live TV and, soon, Fubo.” The existing deal between YouTube TV and Disney is scheduled to end on October 30, which means we will soon find out if ESPN will continue on the platform.
