YouTube TV has decided to offer subscribers a $20 credit as an apology for losing access to several Disney-owned channels—including ESPN, ABC, National Geographic, FX, Freeform, and Disney Channel—after the previous carriage agreement expired without a new deal.
YouTube TV has begun to send notification emails to subscribers, stating that subscribers should begin to expect to see an email in the coming days about the credit, which will be applied to their next bill after it's redeemed. How to redeem the $20 credit will come with the email in 'the next few days.'
However, the company also put a clause on the credit. The company said that if the Disney-owned channels remain unavailable for an “extended period,” the credit applies. But before that, let's talk about the problem that brought these issues in the first place.
The Dispute between Disney and YouTube TV
The dispute between YouTube TV and Disney began when the carriage agreement that allowed YouTube TV to stream Disney-owned channels expired at the end of October 2025. These channels include major networks like ESPN, ABC, FX, Freeform, and National Geographic—all key attractions for subscribers because these channels are popular.
As both sides failed to reach a new deal before the contract’s expiration, Disney pulled its channels from YouTube TV’s lineup, and millions of its subscribers are denied access to their favorite sports, shows, news, and live events. This sudden blackout sparked frustration among subscribers, many of whom rely on ESPN and ABC for live sports coverage and primetime programming.
The root of the conflict lies in disagreements over licensing fees. Disney demanded an increment in carriage rates for its content, arguing that its networks drive significant value and viewership for YouTube TV. In contrast, YouTube TV pushed back, claiming Disney’s proposed increases were excessive and would force the platform to raise subscription prices.
"We know it’s been disappointing to lose Disney content, and we want you to know we deeply appreciate your patience," YouTube said in an email sent to subscribers. "We've been working in good faith to negotiate a deal with Disney that pays them fairly for their content and returns their programming to YouTube TV," the platform added.
Both companies sought to protect their business interests: Disney is trying to secure more revenue from YouTube because it believes its content is valuable to YouTube TV's subscribers, and YouTube TV, on the other hand, is trying to keep costs stable for its customers.
This is just another standoff that reflects a growing trend in the streaming industry, where content owners and distributors struggle to balance fair compensation with affordable pricing. Most times, it's their customers that bear the burdens and are caught in the middle.
Millions of Subscribers are Left without their Popular Channels
Because of the disagreement about the renewal fees, Disney withdraws all its channels from YouTube TV, leaving subscribers to a complete blackout on their popular channels. Due to this blackout, YouTube TV is offering affected subscribers a one-time $20 credit. The credit is $20 (USD) per affected account, and according to coverage, the credit will be applied to the next bill once the subscriber redeems it by following the instructions in the email.
However, it's important to note that it remains unclear if this is the only credit or if additional credits will be offered if the blackout drags on further. But YouTube said that if the Disney-owned channels remain unavailable for an “extended period,” the credit applies. This means if they reach agreement fast, the credit will be evacuated. The video search engine said, "We've been working in good faith to negotiate a deal with Disney that pays them fairly for their content and returns their programming to YouTube TV."
