Tuesday, May 19, 2026

YouTube TV Reaches Deal to Restore Disney Networks

  • After a much-publicized dispute with The Mouse, Google’s live TV streaming service has a new agreement.
  • Channels like ESPN had been temporarily removed from the service.
Youtube-TV
YouTube TV/Design: Alex Brooks

Google’s live TV streaming service, YouTube TV, was the talk of the internet over the weekend after it pulled Disney networks following the expiration of its deal with The Mouse on Friday.

The standoff didn’t last for long. By Sunday, the companies announced that they had reached a new agreement to bring Disney’s channels — including ESPN — back to the service.

“We appreciate Google’s collaboration to reach fair terms that are consistent with the market,” Disney said in a statement. ABC, The Disney Channel, and FX are among other networks being restored.

Also returning is YouTube TV’s standard $65-per-month subscription price. The service had said it would lower its monthly fee to $50 in the absence of Disney’s portfolio.

NBCU and Roku Disputes

A couple other entertainment giants have found themselves at odds with YouTube TV, but those issues have been mostly been put to bed.

  • In October, the service agreed to a “short” extension with NBCUniversal to retain NBC channels, including regional sports networks.
  • Earlier this month, Google landed a “multiyear extension” with Roku to keep YouTube TV on the platform.

Google said it will still honor a $15 credit for all YouTube TV members who were impacted by the brief programming shakeup with Disney.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign up for
The Memo Newsletter

Get the biggest stories and best analysis on the business of sports delivered to your inbox twice every weekday and twice on weekends.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Jan 10, 2026; Charlotte, NC, USA; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) drops back to pass against the Carolina Panthers in the first half during the NFC Wild Card Round game at Bank of America Stadium.

The Haves and Have-Nots of the 2026–27 NFL Schedule

Five teams have no primetime appearances scheduled in 2026.
Jan 17, 2026; Denver, CO, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) runs against Denver Broncos linebacker Karene Reid (47) during the second quarter of an AFC Divisional Round playoff game at Empower Field at Mile High.

NFL Schedule Leans Further Into Holidays, Streaming Expansion

The upcoming slate features several notable changes from 2025.

NFL Rivalries Are Made on the Field, Mocked in Schedule Release Videos

Every year, teams find new ways to one-up themselves (and their rivals).

Featured Today

Bart Swings/Falyn Fonoimoana/Avery Poppinga

OnlyFans Is Paying Pro Athletes What Their Sports Won’t

The adult-content platform is a reliable income source for niche athletes.
May 13, 2026

How Sports Graphic Designers Are Grappling With the Rise of AI Art

The release of ChatGPT 2.0 Images sparked a conversation among sports designers.
May 12, 2026

Collectible Cups Are Sending Sports Fans Into a Frenzy

The drink is secondary to the wild vessel it comes in.
Matt Palumb
May 8, 2026

Pro Lacrosse’s Top Ref Is As Famous As the Players

The last celebrity referee is in the Premier Lacrosse League.
Dec 25, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) is interviewed by Netflix reporter Stacey Dales following a win against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images
opinion

NFL ‘Tempting Fate’ With Open-Armed Embrace of Streamers

The NFL’s media rights strategy isn’t without potential risk.
May 14, 2026; Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, USA; Emiliano Grillo plays his shot on the tenth hole during the first round of the PGA Championship golf tournament at Aronimink Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-Imagn Images
May 15, 2026

Can CBS Regain Its Golf Mojo After Masters Disaster?

All eyes will be on CBS following its issues in Augusta.
May 15, 2026

NFL Teams Mock ‘AI Slop’ After Cardinals Schedule Video

The Cardinals did not immediately answer questions from FOS.
Sponsored

Volpe Brings Style to the Bronx

With the New York Yankees & Anthony Volpe, Charles Tyrwhitt is bringing its decades-long playbook to one of sports’ biggest stages.
May 14, 2026

NFL Schedule Rollout Ramps Up With Full Thanksgiving Slate, Leak Frenzy

CBS gets a top NFC North rivalry to start the Thanksgiving Day games.
May 13, 2026

Netflix Deepens Its NFL Ties With Expanded Five-Game Package

The streaming giant significantly increased its presence with the league.
Los Angeles, CA - May 8, 2026 - LAPC: Stephen A Smith and Skip Bayless on the set of First Take.
May 13, 2026

‘First Take’ Ratings Up 24% for Skip Bayless Return

The episode marked Bayless’s first ESPN appearance in a decade.
Mar 15, 2025; Charlotte, NC, USA; ACC commissioner Jim Phillips hands the championship trophy to Duke Blue Devils head coach Jon Scheyer after the 2025 ACC Conference Championship game against the Louisville Cardinals at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
May 13, 2026

ACC Backs Duke-Amazon Deal Despite Big Ten Concerns

ACC commissioner Jim Phillips revealed ESPN was involved in the discussions.