(NEXSTAR) – Disney and Alphabet, the parent company of YouTube TV, have reached a deal to end a two-week stalemate, both companies announced Friday.
Disney confirmed to Nexstar that it was restoring all of its networks and stations on YouTube TV Friday.
“We’re happy to share that we’ve reached a deal with Disney to bring their content back to YouTube TV,” YouTube TV announced on its official X page. “Subscribers should see channels including ABC, ESPN, and FX returning to their service over the course of the day. Thanks for your patience and for being a valued member.”
Under the new agreement, YouTube TV subscribers will have access to all ESPN networks, ABC, Disney-branded channels, Freeform, the FX Networks and the National Geographic channels at no extra cost, Disney said in a news release. Viewers will also have access to ESPN’s new Unlimited Plan, as well as the ability to include Disney+ and Hulu Bundle.
The breakdown between Disney and YouTube TV had especially impacted sports fans, who haven’t been able to watch live some NBA, NFL and NHL games since Oct. 30, including a close matchup on “Monday Night Football” between the Philadelphia Eagles and Green Bay Packers.
During the dispute, YouTube said Disney used the threat of a blackout as a negotiating tactic that would have resulted in higher prices for its subscribers. Disney’s move to take down its content also benefited its own streaming products Hulu + Live TV and Fubo, YouTube said.
Disney said that YouTube TV was refusing to pay fair rates for its channels and had chosen to “deny their subscribers the content they value most,” pointing out the number of Top 25 teams scheduled to play.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
