ESPN's current status on YouTube TV

ESPN is not currently available on YouTube TV. The channel was removed in May 2022 after a contract dispute between YouTube TV and Disney, which owns ESPN. As of now, YouTube TV does not carry any Disney-owned sports networks, including ESPN, ESPN2, or regional sports channels.

Whether ESPN will return depends on whether YouTube TV and Disney can reach a new agreement. Neither company has announced plans to restore the channel, and no public timeline exists for a potential deal. This means if you want to watch ESPN content through a streaming service, you'll need to use a different platform.

Key Takeaways

  • ESPN has been unavailable on YouTube TV since May 2022 due to a contract disagreement between YouTube TV and Disney.
  • No official announcement has been made about ESPN returning to YouTube TV, and there is no known timeline for a potential deal.
  • You can watch ESPN through other streaming services, including the ESPN+ app, Hulu with Live TV, or traditional cable packages.
  • YouTube TV still carries other sports networks like Fox Sports, NBC Sports, and regional channels, depending on your location.
  • Contract disputes between streaming services and content providers happen regularly and can take months or years to resolve.

Why ESPN left YouTube TV

The removal came down to money. Disney asked YouTube TV to pay more for the right to carry ESPN and other Disney channels. YouTube TV declined the price increase, and Disney pulled its channels from the service rather than accept the lower rate YouTube TV was willing to pay.

This type of dispute is common in streaming. Content providers like Disney want higher fees as more people drop cable, while streaming services want to keep subscriber costs down. When the two sides can't agree on a price, the content disappears from the service. YouTube TV has had similar disputes with other networks over the years.

Where to watch ESPN if you don't have YouTube TV

The most direct option is the ESPN+ app, which is a subscription service owned by Disney. ESPN+ carries some live games, original shows, and on-demand content, though not every game that airs on the ESPN cable channel. The app costs money separately from YouTube TV.

Hulu with Live TV includes ESPN as part of its package. This service streams live television channels including ESPN, ESPN2, and other sports networks. It costs more than YouTube TV but includes Hulu's on-demand library as well. Hulu with Live TV is also owned by Disney.

Traditional cable and satellite providers like Comcast, Charter, and DirecTV still carry ESPN as part of their packages. If you have cable or satellite at home, you can also stream ESPN through the ESPN app using your cable login credentials.

What sports content YouTube TV still offers

YouTube TV carries sports through other networks. You can watch NFL games on Fox and NBC, NBA games on NBC and some regional channels, NHL games on NBC, and college sports on Fox and ESPN's competitors. MLB games appear on Fox and regional sports networks depending on your location.

The specific channels available vary by region. YouTube TV's channel lineup tool on its website shows exactly which sports networks are available in your zip code. Regional sports networks, which carry local teams, are particularly location-dependent.

How streaming contract disputes usually get resolved

When a streaming service and a content provider disagree on price, one of three things typically happens. First, they reach a deal and the content returns—sometimes within weeks, sometimes after months of negotiation. Second, the content stays off the service indefinitely because neither side will budge. Third, the streaming service adds the content back at a higher price, which may mean YouTube TV raises its subscription cost.

The ESPN-YouTube TV dispute has lasted over two years with no public movement toward resolution. This suggests either both sides are far apart on price, or neither sees urgency in making a deal. Streaming services have also become more willing to let popular content go rather than pay what they consider unsustainable rates.

Checking for updates on ESPN's return

YouTube TV's official website and blog sometimes announce when major channels return or leave. You can also check YouTube TV's social media accounts or contact their customer support to ask whether ESPN negotiations are ongoing. Neither source will give you a timeline, but they can confirm whether talks are happening.

Disney and YouTube TV rarely announce negotiations publicly while they're happening. You'll most likely learn about a deal when it's done and ESPN suddenly reappears on the service. Setting up a news alert for "ESPN YouTube TV" can help you catch the announcement if it happens.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I watch ESPN games on YouTube TV right now?

No. ESPN has not been available on YouTube TV since May 2022. If you want to watch ESPN content, you'll need to use the ESPN+ app, Hulu with Live TV, or another service that carries ESPN.

Why did YouTube TV remove ESPN instead of paying more?

YouTube TV decided Disney's price increase was too high. The service prioritizes keeping subscription costs reasonable for customers. Paying Disney's asking price would likely have forced YouTube TV to raise its monthly fee significantly.

Is there any chance ESPN will come back to YouTube TV?

It's possible, but there's no timeline or public indication it will happen soon. Both companies would need to agree on a price. Since no deal has been reached in over two years, they may be too far apart to find middle ground.

What if I only want to watch ESPN and don't care about other channels?

ESPN+ is the cheapest option if you only want ESPN content. It's a standalone subscription separate from YouTube TV. Hulu with Live TV costs more but includes the full ESPN cable channel plus many other networks and Hulu's on-demand shows.

Do other streaming services have ESPN?

Yes. Hulu with Live TV, Sling TV, fubo, and traditional cable providers all carry ESPN. Each has different pricing and channel lineups, so compare what sports content each one offers in your area before subscribing.