ESPN Returns to YouTube TV After Disney Settlement

ESPN football is back on YouTube TV! The service and The Walt Disney Co. have settled their contract dispute, ending the 15-day blackout of Disney channels.

Disney-owned channels and ABC station signals are now being restored for YouTube TV’s 10 million customers, the companies announced Friday night. This breakthrough happened after they agreed to a new multi-year distribution deal. It replaces the previous agreement that expired on October 30.

The financial details of the deal haven’t been released.

“We’re happy to share that we’ve reached an agreement with Disney that preserves the value of our service for our subscribers and gives us adaptability in our offers,” YouTube said in a statement. “We apologize for the disruption and appreciate our subscribers’ patience while we negotiated on their behalf.”

This declaration came just a day after Disney took a firm stance.Disney’s CFO said on CNBC that the company was willing to negotiate with Google “as long as they want to” but wouldn’t give in.

“This new agreement shows our commitment to delivering great entertainment and adapting to how people want to watch,” said Disney Entertainment Co-Chairmen Alan Bergman and Dana Walden, and ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro in a joint statement. “It recognizes the value of Disney’s programming and gives YouTube TV subscribers more choice. We’re glad our networks are back in time for fans to enjoy all the great programming this weekend, including college football.”

YouTube says customers should see content returning over the next 24 hours, including their saved recordings.

Disney’s full lineup of channels, including FX, National Geographic, and Freeform, will be available again on YouTube TV. The deal also strengthens Disney’s presence on both YouTube TV and the main YouTube app.

Plus, YouTube TV customers will get access to the new ESPN Unlimited streaming service at no extra cost. This includes some live and on-demand programming. The Disney+ and Hulu