YouTube TV made headlines last month when it engaged in a standoff with Disney as a carriage rights dispute turned ugly. Customers with the streaming TV platform were left without major Disney products like ABC and ESPN for two weeks as the dispute raged on.
Eventually, on Nov. 14, YouTube TV announced to its customers the rights war was over.
“We’re happy to share that we’ve reached a deal with Disney to bring their content back to YouTube TV. You now have access to Disney channels, including ABC and ESPN, and any recordings that were previously in your Library. Your personal preferences and recommendations are just as you left them,” the company said in a statement to customers.
YouTube TV Turns ESPN Dispute Into Win for Sports Customers
Less than a month after announcing the end of its dispute with Disney, YouTube TV revealed a major change coming to the platform in early 2026. The company revealed it’s launching YouTube TV Plans, which will allow customers to create 10 genre-specific packages.
“One package that we know our customers will be excited for is the YouTube TV Sports Plan. The Sports Plan will offer fans access to all the major broadcasters as well as sports networks like FS1, NBC Sports Network, all of the ESPN networks, as well as ESPN Unlimited. Subscribers can include add-ons like NFL Sunday Ticket and RedZone, and keep all fan-favorite features, including unlimited DVR, multiview, key plays, and fantasy view,” the company revealed.
ESPN Unlimited’s addition to the slate comes as a direct consequence of YouTube TV’s standoff with Disney as the new ESPN product was a linchpin in the negotiations.
YouTube TV’s Message to Customers as Change Looms
YouTube TV added a message for customers regarding the impending change.
“TV should be easy, giving viewers greater control over what they want to watch. Our goal is to let you tailor your subscription with more options,” it announced. “Whether you stick with our main YouTube TV plan with 100+ channels, focus on sports, combine sports and news, or select a plan centered on family and entertainment content, subscribers will be able to easily choose the plan that works best for them.”
Prices for the potential bundles were not announced.
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