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YouTube TV drew the ire of three major carriers in as many months, jousting with Fox, NBC and TelevisaUnivision in high-profile disputes.
On Thursday, Oct. 30, the Google-owned streamer added a fourth entity to its hit list. YouTube TV is entangled in a squabble with ESPN and its parent company, Disney. The feud comes amid a contract stalemate, with the current deal between the two parties slated to expire at the end of the day.
YouTube TV and Disney's quarrel largely revolves around carriage fees -- the costs incurred by YouTube TV to carry Disney programs. In a statement, YouTube TV claimed that Disney's pursuit of profits threatens to result in higher prices for YouTube TV customers.
“Disney is proposing costly economic terms that would raise prices for YouTube TV customers and give our customers fewer choices, while benefitting Disney’s own live TV products,” YouTube TV said.
Disney fired back, accusing YouTube TV of "exploiting its position at the expense of its customers."
“We invest significantly in our content, and expect our partners to pay fair rates that recognize that value," Disney said. "If we don’t reach a fair deal soon, YouTube TV customers will lose access to ESPN and ABC, and all our marquee programming -- including the NFL, college football, NBA, and NHL seasons -- and so much more.”
Structural issues also are believed to play a role. It's unclear how YouTube TV would interact with Disney's Hulu.
Here's the latest on the falling-out that threatens to limit sports fans' access to NFL, college football and other broadcasts in the coming few weeks.
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YouTube TV and ESPN dispute updates
Thursday, Oct. 30
YouTube TV's relationship with ESPN -- and its parent company, Disney -- appears to be coming apart at the seams. The streaming platform's contract with the mass media superpower comes to an end on Thursday at midnight. An agreement on a revised deal has yet to be reached, with YouTube TV vowing to offer subscribers a $20 credit if ESPN and other Disney channels are dropped.
YouTube TV and Disney's coverage contract expires at midnight ET tonight.
ESPN content could become unavailable on YouTube TV, and both sides are running consumer alerts about the potential loss of those channels on the service.
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How to watch ESPN without YouTube TV
YouTube TV has nearly 10 million subscribers, meaning many viewers across the country could be searching for alternatives if a deal isn’t reached.
ESPN is available through a number of different alternate streaming platforms, including Fubo, which offers prospective subscribers a free trial.
| Streaming Option | Cable subscription needed? | Free? | Cost | Free Trial |
| Hulu + Live TV | No | No | $82.99/month | Yes |
| Sling TV* | No | No | $45.99/month | Yes |
| Fubo | No | No | $54.99/month | Yes |
When could YouTube TV subscribers lose ESPN?
YouTube TV and Disney's deal expires at the end of the day on Thursday. If no deal is struck, ESPN and other Disney programs will be removed from the platform.
In the event that a deal isn't reached, YouTube TV is offering subscribers a $20 credit.
English (US)