Disney and ESPN are reportedly losing between $3 million and $5 million per day due to their ongoing carriage dispute with YouTube TV, according to multiple industry sources cited in recent reports. The blackout, which began on October 30, 2025, has left over 10 million YouTube TV subscribers without access to Disney-owned channels including ABC, ESPN, FX, Freeform, National Geographic, and the Disney Channel.
The conflict stems from failed negotiations over a new carriage agreement. Disney has accused YouTube TV, owned by Google, of refusing to pay fair market rates for its content. YouTube TV, on the other hand, claims Disney is pushing for “costly economic terms” that would raise prices for subscribers and reduce consumer choice.
“Despite our best efforts, we have not been able to reach a fair deal,” YouTube TV said in a statement. “Disney’s terms would increase costs and limit flexibility for our customers.”
Disney responded by stating that YouTube TV was unwilling to recognize the value of its content portfolio, which includes some of the most-watched live sports and entertainment programming in the U.S.
According to analysts cited by Deadline and Forbes, the blackout is costing Disney and ESPN millions in lost advertising revenue and affiliate fees each day. ESPN, in particular, is suffering from reduced viewership during marquee events such as Monday Night Football, which traditionally draws millions of viewers via YouTube TV.
The timing is especially damaging as the NFL season reaches its midpoint and college football enters its playoff stretch. ABC’s primetime lineup and Disney Channel’s holiday programming are also affected, compounding the financial impact.
The blackout has frustrated viewers, many of whom rely on YouTube TV for live sports and network programming. Social media has been flooded with complaints, and some subscribers have reportedly canceled their service or switched to competing platforms like Hulu + Live TV or FuboTV.
Advertisers are also feeling the pinch. With fewer eyeballs on ESPN and ABC broadcasts, ad impressions have dropped, forcing brands to reallocate budgets or renegotiate rates.
This standoff highlights the growing tension between traditional media companies and tech-driven streaming platforms. As cord-cutting accelerates, content providers like Disney are seeking to preserve revenue through higher carriage fees, while platforms like YouTube TV aim to keep prices low and flexible.
Analysts warn that prolonged disputes like this could reshape the future of live TV distribution, especially if major players fail to find common ground.
Negotiations are reportedly ongoing, but no resolution has been announced. If the blackout continues, Disney and ESPN could lose upwards of $100 million per month, not including long-term damage to brand loyalty and viewership habits.
