YouTube TV Reaches Deal to Restore Disney Networks

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.