YouTube TV and Disney reached a new carriage agreement in December 2024
YouTube TV and Disney ended their contract dispute and signed a new multi-year agreement in December 2024. The deal restored access to Disney-owned channels including ESPN, ABC, FX, and National Geographic on YouTube TV after a brief blackout. This means YouTube TV subscribers can continue watching those channels without interruption or additional fees beyond their regular subscription.
The agreement also includes Disney+ and Hulu bundling options for YouTube TV members. Subscribers can now add Disney+ and Hulu to their YouTube TV account at a discounted rate compared to buying those services separately, though the exact pricing depends on which bundle tier you choose.
Key Takeaways
- YouTube TV and Disney signed a multi-year carriage agreement in December 2024 that restored ESPN, ABC, FX, and National Geographic channels to the platform.
- The deal includes the option to bundle Disney+ and Hulu with your YouTube TV subscription at a reduced price.
- YouTube TV subscribers do not need to take any action—Disney channels remained available once the agreement was finalized.
- The agreement covers live sports, news, and entertainment programming from Disney's broadcast and cable networks.
What channels came back after the agreement
The restored channels include ABC (the broadcast network), ESPN and ESPN2 (sports), FX and FXX (entertainment), National Geographic, and several other Disney-owned cable networks. These are the same channels that were unavailable during the blackout period. YouTube TV subscribers regained access to live broadcasts, sports events, and on-demand content from these networks.
If you were a YouTube TV subscriber during the blackout, you did not lose your account or need to re-sign up. Once the agreement took effect, the channels reappeared in your guide automatically.
How the Disney+ and Hulu bundle works with YouTube TV
YouTube TV subscribers can now add Disney+ and Hulu to their account through YouTube TV's settings. The bundle pricing is lower than subscribing to Disney+ and Hulu separately. You can choose between the ad-supported or ad-free version of Hulu, and the price adjusts accordingly.
The bundle is optional—you do not have to add it to keep your YouTube TV service. If you already subscribe to Disney+ or Hulu separately, you can manage those subscriptions independently or switch to the bundled option through YouTube TV if it saves you money.
Why YouTube TV and Disney had a dispute
Carriage disputes happen when a streaming service and a content provider cannot agree on how much the streaming service should pay to carry the channels. YouTube TV wanted to pay less; Disney wanted more money. These negotiations happen regularly in the streaming industry and sometimes result in temporary blackouts while both sides work out a deal.
The blackout lasted from September 2024 until the December agreement was reached. During that time, YouTube TV subscribers could not watch live ABC, ESPN, or other Disney channels through the platform, though they could still access them through the Disney+ app or other services if they had those subscriptions.
What this means for your YouTube TV bill
The base YouTube TV subscription price did not change as a result of this agreement. You continue to pay the same monthly rate for your current YouTube TV plan. If you add the Disney+ and Hulu bundle, that is an additional charge on top of your YouTube TV bill, but it is typically less than paying for those services separately.
Pricing for bundles varies depending on whether you choose ad-supported or ad-free versions of Hulu and Disney+. Check your YouTube TV account settings to see the exact bundle prices available in your area, as they can differ by region.
How to add Disney+ and Hulu to your YouTube TV account
Log into your YouTube TV account on a web browser or the YouTube TV app. Go to your account settings and look for the section on add-ons or premium services. You should see options to add Disney+ and Hulu. Select the bundle option that matches your preference (ad-supported or ad-free Hulu), confirm the price, and the services will be added to your account.
Once added, you can watch Disney+ and Hulu content through the YouTube TV app or by opening the Disney+ and Hulu apps separately on your devices. Your login credentials for those services will be tied to your YouTube TV account.
What happens if YouTube TV and Disney disagree again
Carriage disputes can happen again in the future when this agreement expires or if negotiations break down before renewal. If that occurs, YouTube TV subscribers would lose access to Disney channels again until a new deal is reached. There is no way to prevent this entirely, but multi-year agreements like this one reduce the frequency of disputes.
If a blackout does happen, YouTube TV typically notifies subscribers through the app and email. You would still have access to your other channels and services; only Disney-owned channels would be unavailable. Some subscribers choose to keep YouTube TV and accept occasional blackouts, while others switch to a different streaming service if the blackout lasts too long.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay extra to watch ESPN and ABC on YouTube TV now?
No. ESPN, ABC, and other Disney channels are included in your regular YouTube TV subscription at no additional cost. The bundle with Disney+ and Hulu is optional and costs extra only if you choose to add it.
Can I use the Disney+ and Hulu bundle if I already have those subscriptions?
You can switch to the YouTube TV bundle if it costs less than your current separate subscriptions. You would cancel your standalone Disney+ and Hulu accounts and manage them through YouTube TV instead. Compare the bundle price to what you currently pay before switching.
What if I only want Disney+ or Hulu, not both?
The bundle includes both services together at a discounted rate. If you only want one, you may save money by subscribing to it separately outside of YouTube TV rather than paying for the full bundle.
Will YouTube TV lose Disney channels again?
This agreement is multi-year, so Disney channels should remain available through that period. Disputes can happen again when the agreement expires or if negotiations fail before renewal, but that is not expected in the near term.