ESPN is no longer included in YouTube TV's standard package
Yes, ESPN was removed from YouTube TV. In September 2024, YouTube TV dropped ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, and ESPNU from its channel lineup after a contract dispute with Disney, which owns ESPN. If you subscribed to YouTube TV for sports, you lost access to those channels on that date.
This was not a temporary blackout or a technical glitch—it was a permanent removal tied to how much YouTube TV would pay Disney for the right to carry those channels. YouTube TV and Disney could not reach an agreement on pricing, so Disney pulled the channels. The same thing has happened before with other networks when YouTube TV and content owners disagreed on fees.
Key Takeaways
- ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, and ESPNU were removed from YouTube TV in September 2024 after a contract dispute between YouTube TV and Disney.
- YouTube TV did not offer a discount or refund when ESPN was removed, though some subscribers reported being able to contact support about their bill.
- If you need ESPN, you can watch it through the ESPN app (which requires a cable or streaming login), ESPN+ (a separate paid subscription), or switch to a different live TV service that still carries ESPN.
- Other sports channels like Fox Sports, NBC Sports, and regional sports networks remain on YouTube TV, but not all games air on those channels.
Why YouTube TV and Disney could not agree on a deal
Disney wanted higher fees for ESPN, and YouTube TV said those fees were too expensive to pass on to subscribers without raising prices significantly. This is the core reason contract disputes happen in streaming: content owners want more money, and streaming services have to decide whether the cost is worth it to their customers.
YouTube TV has had similar disputes before. In 2022, it lost access to Sinclair-owned regional sports networks for months over a pricing disagreement. In 2023, it briefly lost Fox channels. These disputes usually end in one of three ways: the service pays more and keeps the channels, the service loses the channels permanently, or both sides compromise on a middle ground.
In the case of ESPN, YouTube TV chose to drop the channels rather than raise prices. The company said in a statement that it was not willing to pass on the cost increase to all subscribers when not everyone watches sports.
What you can do if you watch ESPN
The fastest option is to use the ESPN app. You can stream ESPN through the app if you have a cable or streaming login—meaning a subscription to YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, Fubo, or another service that carries ESPN. If you already subscribe to one of those services, you can use that login to watch ESPN on the app at no extra cost.
If you do not have a cable or streaming login, you can buy ESPN+, which is a separate subscription service owned by Disney. ESPN+ costs about $11 per month (or less if you bundle it with Disney+ and Hulu). ESPN+ carries some live games, original shows, and replays, but not all ESPN broadcasts—some games air only on the main ESPN channel, which requires a cable or streaming login.
A third option is to switch to a different live TV streaming service. Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, Fubo, and YouTube TV's competitors all still carry ESPN. Each has different pricing, channel lineups, and features, so compare them based on what other channels you watch and what you are willing to pay.
Which sports channels are still on YouTube TV
YouTube TV still carries Fox Sports, NBC Sports, CBS Sports, and regional sports networks in some areas. You can watch many NFL, NBA, NHL, and college sports games on these channels. However, not every game airs on these networks—some games are exclusive to ESPN or other channels that YouTube TV no longer has.
Before you switch services or buy ESPN+, check the schedule for the teams and sports you follow most. If most of their games air on Fox, NBC, or CBS, you may not need ESPN as much as you think. If they play mostly on ESPN, you will need to find another way to watch.
Whether to stay with YouTube TV or switch
If you subscribed to YouTube TV mainly for ESPN, switching to Hulu + Live TV or Fubo makes sense because they still have ESPN and similar channel lineups. If you watch a mix of sports and other content, you might keep YouTube TV and add ESPN+ for the games you cannot find elsewhere.
YouTube TV is still competitive for non-sports viewers because it includes channels like HGTV, Food Network, Discovery, and others at a lower price than some competitors. The decision depends on what you actually watch and how much you are willing to spend across multiple services.
Could ESPN come back to YouTube TV?
It is possible, but not certain. If YouTube TV and Disney negotiate a new deal at a price both sides accept, ESPN could return. This has happened before with other networks. However, there is no timeline for negotiations, and Disney may be content to push viewers toward ESPN+ and cable logins instead.
Keep an eye on YouTube TV's channel lineup page and your account notifications. If ESPN returns, YouTube TV will announce it. In the meantime, the ESPN app and ESPN+ are your most direct paths to watch those channels.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a refund or discount on my YouTube TV bill because ESPN was removed?
YouTube TV did not automatically issue refunds or discounts. However, some subscribers reported that contacting YouTube TV support resulted in a partial credit or temporary discount. It is worth reaching out to support if you feel the removal significantly affected your service, though there is no may provide of a credit.
Does ESPN+ have all the same games as the ESPN channel?
No. ESPN+ carries some exclusive games and original content, but many live games air only on the main ESPN channel, which requires a cable or streaming login. Check the schedule for the teams you follow to see which games are on ESPN+ versus the main channel.
If I use someone else's cable login to watch ESPN on the app, is that allowed?
Most streaming services allow you to use a family member's cable or streaming login on the app. However, the terms of service vary by service. If the login belongs to someone outside your household, you may be violating the service agreement. Check the ESPN app's terms or contact support for clarity.
Will YouTube TV's price go down now that ESPN is removed?
YouTube TV has not lowered its price following the ESPN removal. The company said it chose to drop ESPN rather than raise prices, but it did not pass the savings on to subscribers. Your bill should remain the same unless YouTube TV changes pricing for other reasons.
What if I only want to watch one or two ESPN games per week?
The ESPN app is your best option if you have a cable or streaming login from another service. If you do not, ESPN+ may be worth it for the games you want to watch, or you could check whether those specific games air on Fox, NBC, or CBS instead.