Unknown When/If Channels To Return, Says Google
UPDATE
Originally reported by Boca Post
BOCA RATON, FL (Boca Post) (Copyright © 2025) — Subscribers across the U.S. — including right here in South Florida — woke up to missing channels after YouTube TV and Disney failed to reach a new carriage agreement.
Just before midnight on Halloween, YouTube TV emailed customers announcing that all Disney-owned networks were being pulled from the service effective October 30.
“Despite our best efforts, we have not been able to reach a fair deal, and starting today, Disney programming will not be available on YouTube TV,” the company said. “We will not agree to terms that disadvantage our members while benefiting Disney’s own live TV products.”
The move instantly wiped out more than a dozen networks, including ABC, ESPN, FX, FXX, Freeform, Nat Geo, Disney Channel, and Spanish-language add-ons such as ESPN Deportes and Nat Geo Mundo.
For South Florida viewers, that means WPBF 25 is off the air on YouTube TV. Sports fans also lose this weekend’s Florida Gators–Georgia Bulldogs matchup, “College GameDay,” and ESPN’s Sunday NFL coverage — including Miami Dolphins highlights. NBA fans will miss the Miami Heat’s national broadcasts as well.
According to YouTube TV’s Help Center, recordings from those networks have been removed from user libraries but will return if a deal is reached.
The company says it will issue a $20 credit if the blackout drags on and directs viewers to Disney’s own platforms, such as ESPN+.
The dispute highlights a growing rift between streaming distributors and traditional media companies, as each fights to control pricing in a shrinking cable market. Disney wants higher carriage fees; Google is holding the line, saying it’s protecting subscribers from higher bills.
For now, YouTube TV customers nationwide — and across Palm Beach County — are without ABC news, ESPN sports, and FX shows. There’s no timeline yet for when the channels might return.
Affected YouTube TV channels:
- ABC
- ESPN
- ESPN2
- Freeform
- FX
- FXX
- Disney Junior
- SEC Network
- Nat Geo
- Nat Geo Wild
- Disney Channel
- ESPNU
- FXM
- ABC News Live
- ACC Network
- Disney XD
- Localish
- ESPNews
- ESPN Deportes (Spanish Plan)
- Baby TV Español (Spanish Plan)
- Nat Geo Mundo (Spanish Plan)
What You Can Do
• Stream ABC content elsewhere: Local WPBF 25 newscasts and ABC primetime shows are still available for free through the ABC app or ABC.com by signing in with another TV provider.
• Watch sports via ESPN+: Disney continues to stream live sports — including college football, UFC, and select NHL and NBA games — directly through ESPN+.
• Try alternative services: Hulu + Live TV, Fubo, and Sling still carry Disney-owned channels, though prices vary.
• Request updates: Subscribers can track negotiation progress or claim future credits at YouTube TV’s Help Center.
