YouTube TV Offers to Bring Back ABC, ESPN Amid Disney Dispute

In a fresh twist to their ongoing standoff, YouTube TV has proposed restoring Disney’s ABC and ESPN networks — just days after the entertainment giant’s channels went dark on the platform. The move comes as both companies remain locked in negotiations over a new licensing agreement.

Earlier on Monday, Disney had urged YouTube TV to restore ABC temporarily for Election Day coverage, saying it would serve the public interest. The blackout, which began late last week, had left millions of subscribers without access to ABC, ESPN, and other Disney-owned channels.

However, YouTube TV pushed back on the idea of a one-day return, calling it confusing for customers. “Your proposal would permit us to return Disney's ABC stations only for a day and will cause customer confusion,” YouTube wrote in a blog post.

The Google-owned streaming platform suggested a broader fix instead: bringing back all of Disney’s most-watched channels — including ABC and ESPN — while talks continue. “Those are the channels that people want,” YouTube stated.

In the meantime, the company noted that ABC News coverage remains available through YouTube’s free livestreams, including local station pages and the official ABC News channel.

The blackout marks another chapter in the tug-of-war between media giants and streaming distributors, both seeking better terms in a rapidly changing TV landscape. For viewers, however, the message is simple — they just want their favorite channels back before Election Day.