YouTube TV, Disney release statements as ESPN blackout begins

Now that the current deal has expired, YouTube TV and Disney are in a carriage dispute. The two sides also released statements just before the agreement’s expiration.

News of the impending carriage dispute broke last week when ESPN networks began airing ads encouraging customers to take action. The deal was due to expire Thursday night at 11:59 p.m. ET. YouTube TV has about 10 million subscribers.

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In addition to ESPN and ABC, networks such as SEC Network and ACC Network are also in the crosshairs. As of 11:27 p.m. ET, those channels – along with all other Disney networks – were not available on YouTube TV guides.

“Unfortunately, Google’s YouTube TV has chosen to deny their subscribers the content they value most by refusing to pay fair rates for our channels, including ESPN and ABC,” Disney’s statement reads. “Without a new agreement in place, their subscribers will not have access to our programming which includes the best lineup in live sports – anchored by the NFL, NBA, and college football, with 13 of the top 25 college teams playing this weekend.

“With a $3 trillion market cap, Google is using its market dominance to eliminate competition and undercut the industry-standard terms we’ve successfully negotiated with every other distributor. We know how frustrating this is for YouTube TV subscribers and remain committed to working toward a resolution as quickly as possible.”

In its statement, YouTube TV expressed its disappointment. The service will be offering a $20 credit if the blackout goes for “an extended period.”

“We know this is a frustrating and disappointing outcome for our subscribers and we continue to urge Disney to work with us constructively to reach a fair agreement that restores their networks to YouTube TV,” YouTube TV’s statement reads. “If their content remains off YouTube TV for an extended period of time, we’ll offer subscribers a $20 credit.”

More on the Disney, YouTube TV dispute

The timing of the carriage dispute comes at an important time in the calendar for ESPN. The NBA season tipped off last week, meaning the network has more marquee events in addition to Monday Night Football, NHL games and its college football schedule.

ABC, specifically, has gotten off to a dominant start to the college football season. The network has aired 21 of the 25 most-watched games of the year, led by Georgia’s overtime victory against Tennessee in Week 3. That matchup averaged 12.6 million viewers.

It’s also the latest carriage situation for YouTube TV, which held negotiations with other key media companies this calendar year. The company struck a deal with FOX in late August to avoid a blackout and landed another one with NBC in September prior to that deal’s expiration.