Previous Message

https://cordcuttersnews.com/youtube-tv-and-disney-negotiations-went-late-into-the-night-last-night-a-new-issue-is-now-the-main-focus/


YouTube TV and The Walt Disney Company reportedly engaged in marathon negotiations that stretched deep into the night on November 12, 2025, only to end without a resolution. The talks, aimed at renewing a carriage agreement set to expire imminently, broke down over fundamental disagreements, plunging the future of Disney-owned channels on the streaming platform into uncertainty.

Sources familiar with the discussions told CNBC reporter Alex Sherman that representatives from both sides convened virtually and in person, poring over contract details until the early hours of November 13. Despite the extended session, no deal was reached, marking a significant setback in what has been a long day of talks between the Google-owned live TV service and the entertainment giant. YouTube TV, which boasts over 10 million subscribers, has positioned itself as a leading alternative to traditional cable, but the potential loss of Disney’s portfolio could deal a severe blow to its appeal, especially during the height of college football and NBA seasons.

At the heart of the impasse, according to Sherman, is the integration of ESPN Unlimited content into the YouTube TV lineup and the associated pricing demands. ESPN Unlimited, Disney’s premium direct-to-consumer sports streaming service launched earlier this year, offers exclusive access to live events, on-demand replays, fantasy leagues, and advanced analytics not available through standard ESPN broadcasts. Disney has pushed aggressively for YouTube TV to bundle this service as part of its base package or at a subsidized rate, arguing that it represents the future of sports consumption and would enhance viewer retention on the platform.

YouTube TV, however, has resisted, citing the exorbitant costs that would inevitably be passed on to consumers. Sherman’s reporting highlights that Disney is seeking a per-subscriber fee structure that could add several dollars to monthly bills, a move YouTube TV deems unsustainable amid competitive pressures from rivals like Hulu + Live TV and Fubo. The platform has already faced subscriber backlash over recent price hikes, and absorbing ESPN Unlimited without corresponding revenue offsets risks alienating its core audience of budget-conscious users.