Disney and ESPN are finally back on YouTube TV, ending a two-week blackout that left sports fans reeling. The deal, which was reached after CEOs Bob Iger and Sundar Pichai intervened directly in negotiations, ensures that the iconic channels will return to the streaming service for subscribers.
The agreement includes several key elements, according to Disney. First, all of Disney's linear networks, including ESPN, ABC, and Freeform, will be reinstated. This means that viewers will once again have access to a wide range of programming, from sports events to TV shows and movies.
In addition, the deal includes an offer for YouTube TV subscribers to sign up for an ESPN Unlimited direct-to-consumer service at no additional cost. This new offering will provide users with access to a selection of live and on-demand content from ESPN, including exclusive programming like Monday Night Football.
The return of these channels also comes with some changes to the way that content is structured on YouTube TV. Select networks will be included in various genre-specific packages, allowing subscribers to customize their viewing experience.
Perhaps most excitingly, the deal includes an option for YouTube to offer its users the Disney+, Hulu Bundle as part of select subscriptions. This means that viewers who subscribe to YouTube TV may also have access to these popular streaming services at a discounted rate.
"We're happy to share that we've reached an agreement with Disney that preserves the value of our service for our subscribers and future flexibility in our offers," said YouTube in a statement. "Subscribers should see channels including ABC, ESPN and FX returning to their service over the course of the day, as well as any recordings that were previously in their Library. We apologize for the disruption and appreciate our subscribers' patience as we negotiated on their behalf."
Disney Entertainment co-chairmen Alan Bergman and Dana Walden and ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro expressed their gratitude for the deal, calling it a "tremendous value" that recognizes the importance of Disney's programming.
The agreement includes several key elements, according to Disney. First, all of Disney's linear networks, including ESPN, ABC, and Freeform, will be reinstated. This means that viewers will once again have access to a wide range of programming, from sports events to TV shows and movies.
In addition, the deal includes an offer for YouTube TV subscribers to sign up for an ESPN Unlimited direct-to-consumer service at no additional cost. This new offering will provide users with access to a selection of live and on-demand content from ESPN, including exclusive programming like Monday Night Football.
The return of these channels also comes with some changes to the way that content is structured on YouTube TV. Select networks will be included in various genre-specific packages, allowing subscribers to customize their viewing experience.
Perhaps most excitingly, the deal includes an option for YouTube to offer its users the Disney+, Hulu Bundle as part of select subscriptions. This means that viewers who subscribe to YouTube TV may also have access to these popular streaming services at a discounted rate.
"We're happy to share that we've reached an agreement with Disney that preserves the value of our service for our subscribers and future flexibility in our offers," said YouTube in a statement. "Subscribers should see channels including ABC, ESPN and FX returning to their service over the course of the day, as well as any recordings that were previously in their Library. We apologize for the disruption and appreciate our subscribers' patience as we negotiated on their behalf."
Disney Entertainment co-chairmen Alan Bergman and Dana Walden and ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro expressed their gratitude for the deal, calling it a "tremendous value" that recognizes the importance of Disney's programming.
I'm so stoked to hear that Disney and ESPN are back on YouTube TV! I mean, can you believe how crazy that two-week blackout was? 
It's awesome that they're giving their subscribers an amazing deal with all the channels coming back and some sweet extras like the ESPN Unlimited direct-to-consumer service. 
And getting to choose from genre-specific packages is gonna be a total game-changer for people who want more customization in their viewing experience! 
I'm also super hyped about the Disney+, Hulu Bundle option - it's like, a dream come true for fans of those services! 
The fact that they're making this deal happen without any major drama is just pure magic. Let's all take a deep breath and celebrate the return of our beloved channels! 
anyway, lets look at some stats, did u no that disney's linear networks are now part of youtube tv? thats a big deal! 
and with the new deal, espn unlimited is free for youtube tv subs, so yeah... thats a solid move by youtube
. And don't even get me started on the 'tremendous value' they're calling it – what's really going on here is just more Disney trying to squeeze every last penny out of its loyal subscribers 
.
i was literally dying without espn on youtube tv last week lol and now they're back and even better with disney+ bundle option 
it makes so much sense too, like who doesn't wanna watch monday night football while also getting access to all the disney shows & movies 
what a win for us subscribers 
.
. I mean, think about it, two weeks without ESPN on YouTube TV? That was like torture for sports fans! And now they're just going to magically appear again with all these new 'features'... a genre-specific package? Who needs that? Can't we just have everything thrown in together like before? 
after that crazy 2-week blackout 
and like, espn is even throwing in this exclusive unlimited service for free 
The best way to guarantee success is to double your preparation and preparation is the mother of success - Mahatma Gandhi 
. It's nice to know that YouTube is listening and wants to keep its subscribers happy. The extra perks, like the ESPN Unlimited thing, are just cherry on top 
. I'm also curious about this bundle deal - it could be a great way for people to save some cash 
.
finally espn is back on youtube tv and all those other disney channels too 
anyway can't wait to start watching monday night football again 
and the option to get disney+ hulu bundle is pure genius 
! I mean, two weeks without Disney and ESPN on YouTube TV is just crazy talk 
!