Several Disney-owned networks including ABC, ESPN, FX and National Geographic have been removed from YouTube TV after negotiations between the two companies fell apart, Deadline reports. The blackout began around 11:15 p.m. ET on Thursday, about 45 minutes before their distribution agreement was scheduled to end at midnight, surprising many subscribers who suddenly lost access to Disney programming.

According to Deadline, the early shutdown occurred because YouTube needed additional time to alert users and disconnect service in an orderly manner. Around 10 million subscribers are now affected, losing access to Thursday night broadcasts on ABC and potentially missing key college football matchups this weekend.

Although disputes between media conglomerates and TV providers are routine, Deadline points out that this disagreement feels unique because it involves a major technology company instead of a cable or satellite operator. Rather than showing a standard message explaining the blackout, Disney’s networks disappeared entirely from YouTube TV’s menu and search features, leaving no explanation for viewers.

Disney stated, via Deadline, that YouTube TV operated by Google refused to pay reasonable market rates for its channels. The company accused Google, which has a market value of over $3 trillion, of exploiting its size to pressure Disney into less favorable terms and “eliminate competition.”

In a counterstatement to Deadline, YouTube TV said Disney used the threat of a blackout to push for higher carriage fees that would force the streaming service to raise prices for customers. The company also argued that Disney benefits from pulling its channels because it drives viewers to its own competing services, including Hulu + Live TV and Fubo. YouTube TV added that subscribers would receive a $20 credit if the blackout continues for a long period.

As Deadline notes, this is YouTube TV’s fifth dispute with a major media company in 2025 and its fourth within three months. Earlier conflicts with NBCUniversal, Paramount, and Fox were resolved at the last minute, while Univision has remained off YouTube TV since late September.

According to Deadline, the loss of Disney channels could disrupt coverage of several college football games featuring top teams such as Georgia, Ole Miss and Miami, along with ABC primetime series like Dancing with the Stars and Shark Tank. Some of these programs will still be available on Disney’s streaming platforms.Dancing with the Stars streams live on Disney+, while other shows debut on Hulu the following day.

Deadline further explains that Disney continues to expand its streaming strategy while keeping its traditional channels operational. CEO Bob Iger previously suggested that linear television might not remain central to Disney’s long-term business. Last August, the company launched a new ESPN streaming app offering live channels and exclusive content, but YouTube TV users cannot access it through their current subscriptions.

Insiders told Deadline that YouTube TV has attempted to negotiate access to integrate (“ingest”) shows from entertainment companies’ streaming platforms into its interface a move many media firms view as a long-term threat to their direct-to-consumer efforts. However, the most pressing disagreement in the current talks concerns the fees YouTube pays to carry Disney’s channels.

Finally, Deadline reports that the dispute coincided with Disney finalizing its purchase of a 70% stake in Fubo, merging it with Hulu + Live TV to create a stronger rival to YouTube TV. A recent legal settlement between Disney and YouTube over the hiring of former ESPN executive Justin Connolly, who now represents YouTube in negotiations, also concluded days before the blackout.