YouTube TV’s New Distribution Deal Restores ESPN, ABC To Platform

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 04: Jimmy Butler #22 of the Miami Heat reacts during the second half against the Los Angeles Lakers at AdventHealth Arena at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on October 04, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images)

For 39 hours, sports fans who rely on YouTube TV to watch games were outraged at the timing of a Walt Disney-owned channel blackout.

The blackout went into effect at 11:59 p.m. EST on Friday, which happened to be right in the middle of ESPN‘s broadcast of the Los Angeles Lakers–Minnesota Timberwolves game.

“Worst timing ever! You did this during Bowl season, NBA Christmas games, and NFL playoff races!? So disappointing,” one YouTube TV subscriber tweeted.

Disney and Google, which owns YouTube TV, were able to come to an agreement Sunday afternoon.

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“We appreciate Google’s collaboration to reach fair terms that are consistent with the market, and we’re thrilled that our robust lineup of live sports and news plus kids, family and general entertainment programming is in the process of being restored to YouTube TV subscribers across the country,” Disney said in a statement.

YouTube TV carries 18 Disney-owned channels including ABC, ESPN, National Geographic, FX and Disney Jr. Before the new distribution agreement was struck, YouTube TV had announced that they would be decreasing the cost of their services by $15 to $49.99 per month to make up for the lost channels. With the new deal, the $64.99 cost will stay in place, but YouTube has offered to honor their previous discounted cost to any member who was affected by the blackout.

“For active members who have not yet received that $15 discount on their monthly bill, you will automatically receive a one-time credit on your next bill with no action needed,” YouTube TV said. “For members who were impacted and have initiated the cancellation process, we would love to welcome you back.”