The standoff between Disney (DIS) and Google’s (GOOGL) YouTube TV continues, leaving millions of subscribers without access to popular Disney channels like ESPN and ABC. As talks over carriage fees drag on, YouTube TV is offering a $20 credit to subscribers as a goodwill gesture. With no agreement yet in place, the blackout shows no signs of ending, frustrating viewers across the country.
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This isn’t the first time YouTube TV subscribers have experienced a Disney blackout. In 2022, a similar dispute temporarily cut access to Disney channels, and affected users received a $15 credit as compensation.
Disney-YouTube TV Showdown Heads into Extra Time
On October 31, Disney removed its channels, including ESPN and ABC, from YouTube TV after the two companies failed to reach a new licensing agreement. The blackout has left millions of viewers frustrated, prompting YouTube TV to offer a $20 credit to affected subscribers. The credit can be applied to subscribers’ next billing statement.
For context, the dispute stems from Disney’s push for higher carriage fees, which YouTube TV claims are above market rates and would lead to higher prices for customers.
Disney’s executives say they have proposed a deal to Google that would cost less than their previous license and include flexible packages for sports, entertainment, and family content. Despite this, they claim YouTube TV is still demanding below-market terms and has made very few compromises. Disney argues that Google is using its size to pressure for below-standard deals.
In response, YouTube claims that Disney is using old tactics, such as leaking information to the press, negotiating publicly, and misrepresenting deal details. YouTube adds that it’s ready for a fair agreement like those Disney offers other distributors and urges Disney to work in the best interest of viewers. It also stated that Disney is asking for rates higher than what Charter (CHTR), DirecTV, Hulu, and Fubo (FUBO) pay for ABC Networks.
Is Disney a Good Stock to Buy Now?
Amid the chaos, DIS stock remains volatile and has traded down by 1.61% over the last 5 trading days. The company is also scheduled to announce its Q4 2025 results this week on November 13.
Ahead of the results, Wall Street analysts have a Strong Buy consensus rating on DIS stock based on 14 Buys and one Hold assigned in the past three months. Meanwhile, Disney’s average stock price target of $141.0 per share implies a 27% upside potential.
