Is YouTube TV losing ESPN?
As of early November 2025, YouTube TV lost access to ESPN, ABC, and other Disney-owned channels due to a failed contract renewal, marking a significant, though often temporary, carriage dispute. While these channels were dropped, they have historically returned after negotiations, with users sometimes receiving credits during the blackout. The New York Times +4Why is YouTube TV trying to get rid of ESPN?
According to YouTube TV, ESPN is asking for too much from its next set of carriage fees, while according to ESPN, YouTube TV wants a better rate than any of its cable TV counterparts.How to watch ESPN now without YouTube TV?
ESPN adds that fans can get instant access to ESPN content through satellite and cable services including Cox, Dish, DirecTV, Fios, Fubo, Hulu + Live TV, Mediacom, Optimum, Sling, Spectrum TV and Xfinity.What is the alternative to YouTube TV with ESPN?
Our top recommendations for YouTube TV replacements are DirecTV, Sling TV, Fubo, and ESPN Unlimited. Each of these services offers something different, including a variety of price points and channel line-ups.Why is YouTube TV losing channels?
ESPN, ABC cut off for millions as Disney channels go dark on YouTube TV. ESPN, ABC, National Geographic and more than a dozen other Disney-owned channels have disappeared from YouTube TV after the two companies failed to renew their content deal before expiration.Disney channels go dark on YouTube TV as carriage deal expires
How many customers are canceling YouTube TV?
According to a new survey from Drive Research (via Variety), YouTube TV subscribers aren't happy. In response to the standoff, 24% of respondents said they had already cancelled their subscription or were planning to do so. That's according to around 1,100 consumers who responded to the survey.Will YouTube TV get ABC and ESPN back?
Yes, Disney's channels, including ABC and ESPN, returned to YouTube TV in mid-November 2025 after a two-week blackout, following a new multi-year carriage agreement between Disney and Google, restoring live sports and entertainment programming for subscribers. While most channels are back in the base package, some users noted restoration for local ABC affiliates took a bit longer, but the overall disruption ended with the new deal.What should I replace my YouTube TV with?
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Is ESPN free with Amazon Prime?
No, you cannot watch ESPN for free on Amazon Prime Video, as ESPN is a separate subscription service or part of live TV packages, not included with a standard Prime membership. While ESPN isn't natively on Prime Video, you can subscribe to the newer ESPN service (formerly ESPN+) through your Prime Video account as a separate purchase, or get it via other live streaming services like Hulu + Live TV, Sling, or YouTube TV, or by activating it through a cable/TV provider.What is the #1 live streaming platform?
There isn't one single "number 1" platform, as it depends on the type of streaming: Netflix leads in subscription video on demand (SVOD) with massive subscriber numbers, while for live gaming and creator-focused live streams, Twitch is dominant, though YouTube offers huge reach and better VOD integration, and TikTok Live is surging for mobile-first, rapid growth, especially with its interactive gifting. For live TV cord-cutting, YouTube TV is often cited as the best overall.What's the cheapest way to watch ESPN?
The cheapest way to get ESPN depends on your needs, with Sling TV Orange offering the best value for live channels via daily/weekly passes ($4.99/day, $14.99/week) or monthly ($45.99/mo), while ESPN Unlimited is the cheapest standalone streaming plan ($29.99/mo) for the full suite, and for free local games (ABC), an antenna is best, or look for free trials on services like Fubo.Can I get the new ESPN app if I have YouTube TV?
ESPN Unlimited is now available to YouTube TV subscribers at no extra cost – and full integration is coming - Yahoo Sports.Can I buy a subscription to ESPN only?
Yes, you can buy ESPN by itself through the new standalone ESPN Unlimited streaming app for $29.99/month, which gives you access to all live ESPN networks (ESPN, ESPN2, etc.) plus ESPN+ content, or the cheaper ESPN Select plan for just ESPN+ content ($12.99/month), with options to bundle with Hulu/Disney+ for discounts.How do I add ESPN back to YouTube TV?
Add or remove networks- Open the YouTube TV app using your smart TV device.
- Go to the store icon next to your profile photo in the top right.
- Select the network you'd like to add. You'll see additional info and the price of the add-on.
- Select Add network, and confirm the purchase on the next screen.
Have Disney and YouTube TV reached an agreement?
Yes, YouTube TV and Disney reached a new multi-year agreement in November 2025, ending a two-week blackout where Disney channels like ESPN and ABC were unavailable; the deal restored content and includes new options like the Disney+/Hulu bundle and sports-focused packages, ensuring access to Disney's full portfolio of networks.Why is ABC no longer on YouTube TV?
Because Google, LLC (parent company of YouTube TV) and Disney were unable to reach an agreement, YouTube TV dropped the Disney suite of channels. Unfortunately, this means all ABC-affiliated stations (even those not owned by Disney) were also dropped from the YouTube TV platform.How can I get ESPN for free?
You can watch ESPN for free temporarily by using free trials from live TV streaming services like DirecTV , Fubo , or Hulu + Live TV. You can also watch free content like highlights and news on the basic ESPN app if you have an existing TV provider login, or access ESPN3 through certain Internet Service Providers (ISPs).Does Peacock carry ESPN?
No, Peacock does not have ESPN or ESPN+, as ESPN is owned by Disney and operates as its own service, while Peacock streams NBCUniversal sports content, so you need separate subscriptions for each. Peacock offers its own strong lineup of live sports, including NBC Sports, NFL, and Premier League, but it doesn't carry ESPN's channels or content.How much is ESPN a month?
ESPN's monthly cost varies, with standalone options like ESPN Select for $12.99/month or the full ESPN Unlimited for $29.99/month, but the best value is often the Disney Bundle starting around $35.99/month (with ads) or $44.99/month (premium), which includes ESPN Unlimited, Disney+, and Hulu. A new ESPN/FOX One Bundle also offers both services for $39.99/month.Why are people leaving YouTube TV?
People are canceling YouTube TV primarily due to high costs, recent Disney channel blackouts (losing ESPN, ABC), and general dissatisfaction with losing core content, leading many to seek alternatives for sports and news, while others find they don't use live TV features enough to justify the price, opting for cheaper on-demand services or free over-the-air TV. The ongoing dispute with Disney significantly increased churn rates as subscribers lost access to essential sports and network programming, though some also cite general price creep and a desire for a simpler setup.What's cheaper than YouTube TV?
Now, it's a staggering $83/month, similarly priced to competitors Hulu with Live TV, DirecTV Stream, and Fubo. So, if you're having a hard time keeping up with the costs, it helps to know that there are cheaper alternatives out there. For instance, Sling TV's plans remain relatively affordable at under $50/month.How can I watch ABC and ESPN without YouTube TV?
If you still can't access ESPN and ABC with YouTube TV, there are several alternative streaming services that have both. DirecTV Stream, Fubo, Sling TV, and Hulu + Live TV are our top recommendations.How many people are canceling YouTube TV?
In fact, Variety's survey published Nov. 6 reveals that about 24% of YouTube TV subscribers have already canceled or plan to soon drop their subscriptions.Has YouTube TV and Fox reached an agreement?
Yes, YouTube TV and Fox came to a new agreement in late August 2025, after initially agreeing to a short-term extension to prevent a blackout of Fox channels like Fox News and Fox Sports on YouTube TV, ensuring continued access for subscribers just as football season began. The multi-year deal resolved negotiations that had led to a near-disruption, keeping local Fox stations and sports programming available.Will you still be able to watch ESPN on YouTube TV?
No, ESPN is not currently off of YouTube TV; Disney and Google reached a new carriage agreement in November 2025, restoring ESPN, ABC, and other Disney-owned networks after a brief, two-week blackout caused by a fee dispute. The deal resolved the conflict, bringing the channels back, and as of early 2026, ESPN remains part of the standard YouTube TV package, with potential for more features like ESPN Unlimited at no extra cost.
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