Why is ESPN not on YouTube TV? Disney-Google licensing dispute explained

MNF viewers were puzzled as the Cardinals-Cowboys game vanished from YouTube TV after Google pulled Disney-owned networks, including ESPN and ABC.

Updated on: Nov 4, 2025, 07:39:29 IST

By Shamik Banerjee

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Millions of viewers of Monday Night Football were left baffled when the stream of the Monday Night Football game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Dallas Cowboys did not appear on YouTube TV, as usual.

An ESPN Monday Night Football logo is viewed on a broadcast camera before an NFL football game. (AP)

Monday Night Football fixtures are broadcast by ESPN and can be streamed on YouTube TV. However, that is no longer the case as Google removed several Disney-owned broadcast networks, including ESPN and ABC, after failing to reach a licensing deal. All Disney-owned networks were pulled out of Google platforms on October 30, after the old deal expired and the two parties could not agree on a new deal.

"Our contract with Disney has reached its renewal date, and we'll not agree to terms that disadvantage our members while benefiting Disney’s TV products," Google said on X, notifying users about the change.

Disney, meanwhile, also released a statement saying that a "fair deal" could not be reached despite their best efforts. "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," Disney said.

Will ESPN Be Back On YouTube TV?

Though Disney content went black on YouTube TV starting October 31, talks between the two companies and an agreement could come in the days to come. But, as of now, there is no possibility of an agreement coming into place. YouTube TV said that subscribers of ESPN will get a $20 credit from Google over the subscription running out.

Also read: How to watch Monday Night Football without YouTube TV? Top 5 streaming options

"Members, when we renew our contracts with network partners, we advocate for fair pricing to offer you the best TV experience," YouTube TV said in a statement on X.

"Our contract with Disney has reached its renewal date, and we'll not agree to terms that disadvantage our members while benefiting Disney’s TV products."

Disney, meanwhile, accused Google of "using its market dominance to eliminate competition and undercut the industry-standard terms." It added: “We know how frustrating this is for YouTube TV subscribers and remain committed to working toward a resolution,”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Shamik Banerjee
Shamik is a journalist covering the United States for Hindustan Times. He has more than four years of experience reporting on US politics, sports, and major breaking stories across fast-moving cycles. He previously worked at Times Now and Sportskeeda, building strong newsroom instincts and digital storytelling skills. At HT.com, he focuses on day-to-day coverage of US political developments while also handling high-impact stories that demand speed, accuracy, clarity, and context under pressure. Shamik has extensive experience covering NFL game days over the past two years, coordinating live updates, analysis, and explainers. He is particularly drawn to large news moments such as US elections and the Super Bowl, where he thrives at the news desk working alongside the team. He holds degrees in Media Studies from Jamia Millia Islamia and English Literature from Jadavpur University. Before entering journalism, he briefly worked in digital marketing and political consultancy roles. Currently a Senior Content Producer at HT Digital, he is driven by curiosity, discipline, and a constant desire to explore new and obscure topics. Outside work, he enjoys reading, films, sports, and learning continuously.Read More

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