While most NFL fans focus on the player market as the trade deadline approaches, there is another significant area generating attention—the media rights market. A recent development in this space is causing a stir among viewers and industry watchers alike.
On Thursday, YouTube TV announced that it was blacking out ESPN and ABC, among other channels, following the expiration of its service agreement with Disney. This move left many subscribers without access to their favorite sports and entertainment content.
### ESPN Accuses Google of Anti-Competitive Behavior
In response, ESPN issued a statement accusing YouTube TV’s owner, Google, of attempting to stifle competition in the streaming sector:
> “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. Without a new agreement in place, their subscribers will not have access to our programming.
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> We know how frustrating this is for YouTube TV subscribers and remain committed to working toward a resolution as quickly as possible.”
### Viewers Push Back: Criticism Directed at Disney
Not everyone sided with ESPN and Disney. Some viewers voiced frustration with Disney’s pricing strategy, accusing the media giant of making its networks too expensive for streaming services to carry:
– “The hate should be focused on Disney,” one commenter insisted.
– “Google should just buy Disney, in my opinion,” said another.
– “They want people to pay $30 a month just for the ESPN channels,” lamented a third.
### YouTube TV Offers Subscriber Credits Amid Blackouts
Meanwhile, YouTube TV responded by offering impacted subscribers a $20 credit as compensation for the blackout. In a statement, the company said:
> “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 Deals with Other NFL Broadcasters: A Brief Overview
While the standoff with Disney continues, YouTube TV has successfully secured multi-year agreements with other major NFL broadcast partners:
– **Paramount (CBS):** The earliest agreement was reached in February, shortly after Super Bowl LIX. This deal—the first to lapse during Super Bowl week—was extended temporarily until the current multi-year deal was signed. It covers CBS, CBS Sports Channel, BET, Nickelodeon, TV Land, Paramount Network, CMT, Nick Jr., Smithsonian Channel, and VH1.
– **Fox:** The Fox deal was finalized in August, just before the NFL regular season began. It includes the full portfolio of Fox-owned stations as well as local affiliates.
– **NBCUniversal:** The most recent renewal came this month. Notably, this agreement includes a relaunch of the NBC Sports Network (NBCSN), which had been shut down in 2021. YouTube TV will serve as NBCSN’s inaugural carrier upon its relaunch.
As negotiations between YouTube TV and Disney unfold, NFL fans and streaming subscribers remain hopeful for a swift resolution that restores access to ESPN and ABC’s popular programming.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/nfl/news-nfl-fans-rip-disney-youtube-tv-blacks-espn-abc-amid-dispute
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