YouTube TV lost ESPN in September 2024 and has not announced a return date

YouTube TV and Disney (which owns ESPN) ended their carriage agreement on September 30, 2024. The service no longer carries ESPN, ESPN2, or other Disney-owned sports channels. YouTube TV has not made a public statement about when or whether these channels will return, and Disney has not signaled a timeline for negotiations either.

The dispute centers on the price Disney wants for its channels and the number of subscribers YouTube TV must pay for, even if fewer people watch sports. This is the same issue that has caused ESPN to leave other streaming bundles and cable packages over the past two years. Without a new agreement, YouTube TV viewers cannot watch live ESPN programming through the service.

Key Takeaways

  • ESPN disappeared from YouTube TV on September 30, 2024, and neither company has announced plans to restore it.
  • The disagreement is over how much Disney charges for ESPN and whether YouTube TV must pay for all subscribers or only those who watch sports.
  • Disney has removed ESPN from other streaming services and cable bundles when negotiations stalled, suggesting the company is willing to keep channels off platforms long-term.
  • YouTube TV subscribers who want ESPN can add the standalone ESPN+ app, though it does not include live cable broadcasts of all games.

Why YouTube TV and Disney could not reach a deal

Disney's asking price for ESPN has risen sharply as the company tries to offset declining cable TV revenue. YouTube TV would have to pay significantly more per subscriber than it did under the previous agreement. Disney also wants YouTube TV to pay for ESPN access for all subscribers, not just those who watch sports — a model that makes the service more expensive overall.

YouTube TV has resisted this model because it increases costs for customers who do not watch sports. The company has stated publicly that it wants to keep prices down, and accepting Disney's terms would require a price increase across the board. This same disagreement has played out between Disney and other services: Roku removed Disney channels in 2022, and Hulu + Live TV raised prices partly because of rising ESPN costs.

What happened to other streaming services that lost ESPN

When Roku and Disney could not agree on price in 2022, the channels stayed off Roku for several months before a deal was reached. The negotiations took time because both companies had to move on their core demands. Hulu + Live TV kept ESPN but passed the cost to customers through a price increase.

These examples suggest that YouTube TV and Disney may eventually negotiate a return, but it could take months. Neither company has shown urgency to settle, which means ESPN could remain unavailable on YouTube TV for an extended period. If you need ESPN now, you will have to use another service or add a separate subscription.

Your options for watching ESPN without YouTube TV

The standalone ESPN+ app costs $10.99 per month and includes some live games, original shows, and on-demand content. However, ESPN+ does not carry all the same games as the cable channel — many marquee matchups still air only on the ESPN cable feed. If you want comprehensive sports coverage, ESPN+ alone may not be enough.

Hulu + Live TV includes ESPN, ESPN2, and other sports channels for $76.99 per month (prices vary by region and promotions). This is more expensive than YouTube TV was, but it gives you access to live cable broadcasts. Sling TV offers ESPN through its Sling Orange package for $40 per month, the lowest-cost option that includes the cable feed. DirecTV Stream and FuboTV also carry ESPN at higher price points.

If you only watch specific sports or teams, check whether games air on other networks. Many college football games appear on ABC or conference-specific channels, and some NBA games air on TNT or ABC. This may reduce your need for ESPN specifically.

Checking YouTube TV's official channels for updates

YouTube TV publishes updates about channel disputes on its Help Center and YouTube TV Twitter account (@YouTubeTV). The company typically posts when negotiations begin or when a deal is reached. You can also check the YouTube TV app itself — when you open the service, it may display a banner about missing channels and any available updates.

Do not rely on unofficial sources or rumor sites for information about when ESPN might return. YouTube TV and Disney will announce any agreement through their official accounts. Setting up notifications on the YouTube TV Twitter account is the fastest way to learn if the situation changes.

What to do if you need ESPN right now

If you are in the middle of a sports season and cannot wait for YouTube TV and Disney to negotiate, your fastest option is to switch to a service that currently carries ESPN. Sling TV's Sling Orange package is the cheapest option at $40 per month. You can cancel YouTube TV, switch to Sling for as long as you need ESPN, and return to YouTube TV later if the channels come back.

Alternatively, you can keep YouTube TV for other content and add ESPN+ for $10.99 per month, understanding that you will miss some live cable games. This approach costs more overall but lets you keep your YouTube TV setup and recordings. The choice depends on which sports you watch and how many games air exclusively on the cable feed versus ESPN+.

How long disputes like this usually last

Carriage disputes between streaming services and content owners typically resolve within two to six months, though some have lasted longer. The 2022 Roku-Disney dispute lasted about four months. However, there is no may provide — if both companies hold firm on their demands, the timeline could extend beyond that window.

The longer a dispute lasts, the more pressure both sides face from customers and investors. YouTube TV loses subscribers who switch to competitors, and Disney loses advertising revenue from lower viewership. Eventually, one or both companies usually move closer to the middle. Until then, ESPN will remain unavailable on YouTube TV.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a refund from YouTube TV because ESPN is gone?

YouTube TV does not offer refunds for missing channels during disputes. The company views carriage disagreements as temporary situations beyond its control. If you want to cancel your subscription, you can do so without penalty, but you will not receive money back for the time ESPN was unavailable.

Will ESPN+ give me the same games as the cable channel?

No. ESPN+ includes some live games, but many marquee matchups air only on the ESPN cable feed. If you subscribe to ESPN+ instead of getting cable ESPN, you will miss some games. Check the ESPN schedule before you commit to ESPN+ alone.

Is YouTube TV likely to get ESPN back soon?

Neither YouTube TV nor Disney has indicated a timeline. Based on past disputes, negotiations could take months. There is no public signal that either company is close to a deal, so you should plan for ESPN to remain unavailable for at least several more weeks.

What if I switch to another service and then YouTube TV gets ESPN back?

You can switch back to YouTube TV whenever you want. There is no penalty for canceling and restarting your subscription. If ESPN returns and you prefer YouTube TV for other reasons, you can move back without losing anything.

Do I have to pay more if ESPN comes back to YouTube TV?

YouTube TV will likely raise its price if it reaches a new deal with Disney, because Disney's asking price is higher than before. The company has not announced a specific price increase, but based on what happened with Hulu + Live TV, expect the cost to go up if ESPN returns.