The standoff between YouTube TV and Disney has reached a breaking point.
In an email to subscribers Friday, YouTube TV confirmed that Disney-owned channels, including ESPN and ABC, have been pulled from the platform after the two sides failed to reach a new agreement.
“We will not agree to terms that disadvantage our members while benefiting Disney’s own live TV products,” YouTube TV said. “Starting today, Disney programming will not be available on YouTube TV.
“This means you will no longer be able to watch channels like ABC and ESPN or access recordings from these networks in your library.”
The service said it is still working to bring Disney content back but will issue a $20 credit if the blackout lasts. Subscribers were also told they can still watch sports by signing up directly for ESPN.
The timing could not be worse for the NBA, which just launched its new media-rights deal with ESPN, NBC, and Amazon Prime.
For fans, it means no ESPN games, no ABC weekend showcases, and possibly no NBA Finals on YouTube TV.
The situation mirrors the ongoing YouTube TV and FanDuel Sports regional blackout, which continues to prevent millions of fans from watching local NBA broadcasts.
For now, Disney and Google appear far apart. Fans are again caught in the middle, and one of the NBA’s biggest sponsors just lost access to its own national broadcast partner.
NBA games on NBC, of course, will not be impacted.
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