YouTube TV and Disney have reached a new multi-year carriage agreement, officially ending a tense blackout that left subscribers without 14 Disney-owned networks. ABC, ESPN, FX, National Geographic, Disney Channel, Freeform, and the rest of Disney’s portfolio are now back on the live TV service. Fortunately, users’ profiles, watch histories, and DVR recordings were all preserved—so you can pick up exactly where you left off.
What’s Returning to Your Channel Lineup
The renewed deal restores both national feeds and specialty channels, including ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, SEC Network, ACC Network, FX, FXX, and all National Geographic and Disney-branded networks. On-demand content from these channels is back as well.
Local ABC stations are being gradually restored market by market, depending on system updates. Some viewers may see their ABC affiliate return sooner than others, so it’s worth checking your guide periodically.
What the New Deal Includes
The agreement is designed to bring long-term stability after weeks of stop-and-start negotiations. As part of the pact, YouTube TV subscribers will receive access to ESPN’s upcoming “ESPN Unlimited” direct-to-consumer streaming service at no extra cost when it launches. This new platform will integrate seamlessly with existing Disney app authentication options.
The addition of ESPN Unlimited signals YouTube TV’s broader strategy to keep sports-focused households engaged within its ecosystem. Combined with unlimited cloud DVR and multi-user profiles, this strengthens its position against growing competition from stand-alone sports streaming services.
Account Credits and Subscriber Compensation
To offset the outage, YouTube TV is issuing a one-time $20 credit to affected subscribers. Some users have also reported staggered credits totaling up to $60 over two billing cycles, according to Politico. If you haven’t yet claimed yours, check your account notifications or recent emails for redemption instructions.
The credit applies to YouTube TV’s base plan, which remains priced around $72.99 per month (not including optional add-ons). Importantly, all personal data, watchlists, and DVR recordings remain untouched. Missed a scheduled recording during the blackout? Simply re-add it or look for available episodes on demand.
Why This Dispute Matters
Carriage disputes like this one are becoming increasingly common as networks face surging sports rights and content costs while distributors attempt to keep subscription prices stable. With more than 8 million subscribers, YouTube TV’s size means even short disruptions ripple across millions of homes—and advertisers feel the impact too.
Analysts from S&P Global and Leichtman Research note that while traditional pay TV services continue to lose customers, virtual MVPDs like YouTube TV are gaining ground. The integration of ESPN’s future streaming platform shows how traditional bundles and direct-to-consumer apps might finally start to coexist rather than compete.
How to Get Your Channels Back
If your ABC station hasn’t reappeared yet, open the YouTube TV app and refresh your channel guide—it may update as your region comes online. In the meantime, ensure your favorite shows and teams are re-added to your Library tab to resume recordings. Sports fans can also sign into ESPN apps with their YouTube TV credentials to confirm restored access.
The Bottom Line
The blackout is over, your recordings are safe, and a subscriber credit is waiting. With ESPN Unlimited on the horizon, YouTube TV has not only restored what was lost but also added a compelling reason to stay subscribed. After a few anxious weeks, the live TV giant is back at full strength—just in time for the next major game, premiere, or documentary drop.
