YouTube TV Could Lose ABC, ESPN, and Disney Channels in Carriage Dispute

Stop us if you’ve heard this one before. A TV channel provider is fighting with a live TV streaming company. Disney is warning YouTube TV users it may pull its channels if a deal isn’t reached by midnight on Oct. 30.

YouTube TV says if subscribers lose Disney’s channels for “an extended period of time” it will provide a $20 credit.

Just this year, YouTube TV has resolved short-lived standoffs with Paramount (CBS, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, MTV, etc.), Fox, and Comcast. YouTube TV did walk away from Univision and its sister networks when the two sides couldn’t come to an agreement.

What Channels Could Go Dark on YouTube TV?

Disney owns some of the most popular channels on TV. If they can’t reach a deal, here’s what will go dark:

• ABC
• ESPN
• ESPN2
• ESPNews
• ESPNU
• ABC News
• Disney Channel
• Disney Channel Jr.
• FX
• FXX
• FXM
• NatGeo
• Freeform

What Are the Best YouTube TV Alternatives?

I haven’t used YouTube TV for several years because the alternatives offer more bang for your buck.

DIRECTV

DIRECTV is a great live TV option with several different channel packages. In fact, DIRECTV offers more channels than any other live streamer. It has inexpensive packages and tons of freebies to sign up. You’ll get all the Disney channels and you may do just fine with the $34.99 MyEntertainment package, which includes free Disney+, Hulu, and HBO Max.

You’ll get an unlimited DVR, unlimited streams at home, and a very friendly user interface. It’s Streaming Smarter’s top choice for first-time cord-cutters.

Read our full DIRECTV review.

Sling TV

Sling TV offers lots of inexpensive channel lineups and you can get the Disney-related channels on any “Orange” package. You can even subscribe for just one day for $4.99! It’s an easy and flexible option and one I’ve used several times over the years.

Read our full Sling TV review.

Fubo

We don’t normally recommend Fubo because its price is outrageous compared to its competitors. But it’s a strong option for sports fans, and the Disney-owned channels are available.

Read our full Fubo review.

Watching FOX with Hulu + Live TV

Hulu + Live TV might be the best value in live TV streaming. Not only do you get a generous channel lineup, you also get free Disney+, ESPN Unlimited, and Hulu on-demand. It’s a great package for families. Many users complain about the clunky interface. Still, it’s a ton of entertainment for a fair price.

Will a Blackout Last Long?

Historically, these things are resolved in a few days, even if the two sides can’t strike a deal by the deadline. You may miss a weekend of football at most.

If you love YouTube TV, it’s probably worth sticking with them and trusting they’ll find a resolution. Otherwise, it’s a great time to try an alternative live TV provider.