ReportWire

Tag: ESPN

  • Report: CSU expected to hire Jim Mora Jr. as next football coach, per ESPN

    Aiming to compete for big-time college football stakes, CSU is prepared to hire a big-time name.

    According to an ESPN report late Tuesday night, the Rams are finalizing a deal with University of Connecticut coach Jim Mora Jr.

    CSU athletic director John Weber made it clear that his goal is for the Rams to compete for a spot in the college football playoff and that he believes the school has the resources to do so. Weber fired Jay Norvell on Oct. 19 after a disappointing 2-5 start, which saw the football team unable to build on last season’s bowl berth or provide a compelling product.

    Mora, 64, brings a wealth of experience in college and the NFL. He revived the UConn program, guiding the Huskies to a 9-3 record this season and a pending third bowl berth in four years. Mora fits the profile in experience and resume CSU sought as it moves into the reshaped Pac-12 next season. Mora coached in the conference for UCLA, compiling a 46-30 record and four bowl berths from 2012-2017.

    “This program is primed for significant success, and this university is aligned to achieve it. I set the vision for Colorado State to become the most loved, most watched, most innovative athletics program in the West,” Weber said when explaining the decision to let Norvell go in October. “I look forward to the process that’s about to begin here to identify the leader that is going to be able to capitalize on all the potential that exists here at Colorado State, and I’m going to ensure it happens.”

    Mora featured an explosive offense this season with a 1,000-yard rusher (Camryn Edwards), 1,000-yard receiver (Skyler Bell) and an efficient quarterback (Joe Fagnano, 28 touchdowns, one interception). The Huskies finished the season on a four-game winning streak, including victories over Air Force and Duke. Mora is the son of longtime NFL boss Jim Mora, who coached the Saints and Colts. Peyton Manning was his quarterback during his final four seasons in Indianapolis.

    The changing college landscape doomed Norvell in Fort Collins. With the school wanting to at least match or improve on last season’s 8-5 season, the Rams sputtered in September as veteran starting quarterback Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi slumped. He was eventually benched and later left the school. It did not help Norvell when CSU looked overmatched against future conference opponent Washington State in an ugly 20-3 home loss on Sept. 27.

    The hope is that Mora can bring stability and success to a CSU program that wants to reap the rewards of an on-campus stadium that opened in 2017.

    Since that time, CSU has had three coaches — Mike Bobo, Steve Addazio, Norvell. All posted losing records, finishing a combined 23 games under .500.

    Mora received a four-year, $10-million extension at UConn in December of 2024. Norvell made $1.9 million this season, and was owned a $1.5 million buyout from CSU, per terms of his contract.

     

    Troy Renck

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  • Black Friday streaming deal: Sling Orange Day Passes drop to $1 each

    Sling TV offers multiple ways to stream cable channels without having to commit to a month of service, and for Black Friday it’s offering its new $5 Day Passes for a healthy discount. You can get a Sling Orange Day Pass for just $1 through November 30, and get access to 34 channels, including ESPN, ESPN 2 and ESPN 3.

    Besides ESPN, the Sling Orange Day Pass includes access to TNT and TBS, which makes it a solid option if you’re trying to watch the NBA, NFL or college sports. The pass also includes children’s channels like Disney Channel and Nick Jr., CNN for news and HGTV and Food Network for purer forms of lean back entertainment. Sling TV is Engadget’s pick for the best customizable live streaming service for a reason: You can add on extra premium channels when you buy a pass, and their price will be prorated for whatever length you choose. That way even if a dollar isn’t getting you all the channels you need, you don’t need to pay that much more to get them.

    Sling TV

    It’s worth noting, while this promotion runs during Thanksgiving in the US, a Sling Orange subscription won’t get you access to the football games scheduled for that Thursday. To watch those, you’ll need at least a Sling Blue subscription, which includes FS1 and NFL Network, but isn’t available as a day-long pass. A Sling Blue subscription currently starts at $46 a month.

    Still, for your $1, around $4 off the price Sling TV normally charges, you’re getting a deal. Dozens of popular channels, access to Sling TV’s DVR feature, and the ability to use your subscription from a smartphone, tablet, the web or your TV. Plus, Sling TV’s interface is easy to navigate, which is what you want when you’re likely subscribing with one game or show in mind.

    Ian Carlos Campbell

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  • Understanding YouTube TV’s New Disney Deal and the Future of Live Streaming TV

    YouTube TV’s latest deal highlights the growing tension between richer bundles and rising consumer fatigue. Jonathan Raa/NurPhoto via Getty Images

    The two-week standoff between YouTube TV and The Walt Disney Company may be resolved, but the frenemy dynamic between the Mouse House and the Alphabet-owned streamer remains as tangled as ever. YouTube TV is both a key distributor for Disney—helping channels like ESPN reach millions of additional viewers—and a direct competitor to Disney’s Hulu + Live TV bundle—and, for that matter, all Disney-owned networks for screen time.

    On Nov. 14, the two parties announced a new multi-year distribution agreement, restoring all Disney-owned channels to YouTube TV after a blackout over carriage fees (the payments a provider like YouTube TV makes to carry another company’s programming). The deal also adds the upcoming ESPN Unlimited package to YouTube TV’s base plan at no extra charge for subscribers through 2026.

    That addition is expected to raise YouTube TV’s programming costs, which may ultimately be passed on to consumers. The streamer may also still be feeling the effects of the blackout. To lure back customers who canceled, YouTube TV has reportedly offered targeted $60 welcome-back discounts—dropping some subscribers’ first month to roughly $22.99. It’s a pragmatic concession, but one that makes an eventual price hike even harder to avoid.

    For now, YouTube TV is holding steady at $82.99 a month. Any increase would mark its sixth since the service’s 2017 debut at $35 and push its annual cost past $1,000.

    Disney, meanwhile, gains more than just restored affiliate revenue. Keeping ESPN and ABC in front of YouTube TV’s sizable audience helps justify soaring sports-rights costs at a time when the traditional pay-TV base continues to erode. The agreement also secures YouTube TV’s ability to sell bundles of Disney+ and Hulu, creating additional pathways to bring viewers into Disney’s broader streaming ecosystem.

    How viewers respond to YouTube TV’s integration of ESPN Unlimited could be pivotal. The industry is about to learn whether consumers truly want a single, consolidated TV app—or whether they’ll tolerate juggling multiple apps to avoid a bundle that keeps getting more expensive.

    Streaming live sports has become so fragmented that fans may need three or more services just to follow a single team’s season. That patchwork experience forces viewers to juggle multiple apps and logins. ESPN’s own setup illustrates the divide: ESPN Unlimited offers essentially the full breadth of ESPN’s content, while the existing ESPN+ serves as a supplement—a curated add-on with select programming and live events.

    According to a recent survey from Hub Entertainment Research, more than 70 percent of sports fans say sports matter more to them than anything else on TV, and nearly as many (65 percent) say they’re frustrated by having to use multiple streaming services to watch games.

    Live streaming TV occupies a middle ground between legacy cable and on-demand apps like Netflix. Services like YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV mimic the traditional bundle—with cloud DVRs and linear channels—but without contracts or set-top boxes. The market remains concentrated: YouTube TV surpassed 10 million subscribers earlier this month, while Hulu + Live TV sits at just over 4 million. It’s still a small slice of the overall streaming piece—Netflix has more than 300 million subscribers globally, and Disney+ has more than 130 million.

    Understanding YouTube TV’s New Disney Deal and the Future of Live Streaming TV

    Andy Meek

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  • Black Friday streaming deal: Sling Orange Day Passes are only $1 right now

    Sling TV is one of the best live streaming streaming services out there right now, giving you the option to watch a number of traditional cable channels without the traditional, locked-in price of a cable subscription. For Black Friday, you can save on Sling TV’s newly announced $5 Day Passes. That $5 price is the regular cost — for a limited time through November 30, a Day Pass for Sling Orange is only $1 and that includes access to 34 channels like ESPN, ESPN 2 and ESPN 3.

    Besides ESPN, the Sling Orange Day Pass includes access to TNT and TBS, which makes it a solid option if you’re trying to watch the NBA, NFL or college sports. The pass also includes children’s channels like Disney Channel and Nick Jr., CNN for news and HGTV and Food Network for purer forms of lean back entertainment. Sling TV is Engadget’s pick for the best customizable live streaming service for a reason: You can add on extra premium channels when you buy a pass, and their price will be prorated for whatever length you choose. That way even if a dollar isn’t getting you all the channels you need, you don’t need to pay that much more to get them.

    Sling TV

    It’s worth noting, while this promotion runs during Thanksgiving in the US, a Sling Orange subscription won’t get you access to the football games scheduled for that Thursday. To watch those, you’ll need at least a Sling Blue subscription, which includes FS1 and NFL Network, but isn’t available as a day-long pass. A Sling Blue subscription currently starts at $46 a month.

    Still, for your $1, around $4 off the price Sling TV normally charges, you’re getting a deal. Dozens of popular channels, access to Sling TV’s DVR feature, and the ability to use your subscription from a smartphone, tablet, the web or your TV. Plus, Sling TV’s interface is easy to navigate, which is what you want when you’re likely subscribing with one game or show in mind.

    Ian Carlos Campbell

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  • Sling Orange Day Passes are only $1 right now for Black Friday

    Sling TV offers multiple ways to stream cable channels without having to commit to a month of service, and for Black Friday it’s offering its new for a healthy discount. You can get a for just $1 through November 30, and get access to 34 channels, including ESPN, ESPN 2 and ESPN 3.

    Besides ESPN, the Sling Orange Day Pass includes access to TNT and TBS, which makes it a solid option if you’re trying to watch the NBA, NFL or college sports. The pass also includes children’s channels like Disney Channel and Nick Jr., CNN for news and HGTV and Food Network for purer forms of lean back entertainment. Sling TV is Engadget’s pick for for a reason: You can add on extra premium channels when you buy a pass, and their price will be prorated for whatever length you choose. That way even if a dollar isn’t getting you all the channels you need, you don’t need to pay that much more to get them.

    Sling TV

    It’s worth noting, while this promotion runs during Thanksgiving in the US, a Sling Orange subscription won’t get you access to the football games scheduled for that Thursday. To watch those, you’ll need at least a Sling Blue subscription, which includes FS1 and NFL Network, but isn’t available as a day-long pass. A Sling Blue subscription currently starts at $46 a month.

    Still, for your $1, around $4 off the price Sling TV normally charges, you’re getting a deal. Dozens of popular channels, access to Sling TV’s DVR feature, and the ability to use your subscription from a smartphone, tablet, the web or your TV. Plus, Sling TV’s interface is easy to navigate, which is what you want when you’re likely subscribing with one game or show in mind.

    Ian Carlos Campbell

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  • Hot coaching commodity Lane Kiffin has a tough decision 12 years after USC fired him

    Twelve years ago, coach Lane Kiffin was humiliated, fired by USC athletic director Pat Haden on an airport tarmac at 3 a.m. moments after the Trojans had flown in from Phoenix after getting crushed by Arizona State, 62-41.

    OK, so maybe it wasn’t the tarmac, maybe that’s just Trojan lore, maybe the abrupt firing took place in a small room next to the runway.

    Either way, the memory has been burned in Kiffin’s heart and mind, helping motivate him to increased success on the field and seemingly heartfelt balance in his personal life.

    Now the tables have turned. Kiffin, 50, has led Ole Miss to a No. 5 national ranking and 10-1 record, the fourth year in the last five the Rebels have won at least 10 games. He seemingly shed the reputation for aloofness and me-first attitude that dogged him as a failed NFL head coach at age 32 and as an Alabama assistant let go by Nick Saban days before a national title game for focusing too much on his next job.

    Yet, here we are again, Kiffin apparently contemplating the unthinkable. Would he really abandon Ole Miss on the eve of the College Football Playoff for Florida or Louisiana State, fellow SEC schools and established national powers hunting for head coaches?

    A young fan shows his support for Mississippi coach Lane Kiffin during the second half of a game against Florida in Oxford, Miss., on Nov. 15, 2025.

    (Rogelio V. Solis/Associated Press)

    Kiffin’s ex-wife Layla — they are on friendly terms — and 17-year-old son Knox recently were flown on private jets to Gainesville, Fla., and Baton Rouge, La., presumably to check out the livability and vibes of the potential next entry on Kiffin’s resume.

    Ole Miss is well aware of Kiffin’s impending decision and clearly want to know the answer ahead of the Rebels’ regular-season finale Nov. 28 against Mississippi State. Kiffin, however, denied rumors that Ole Miss athletic director Keith Carter had given him an ultimatum to decide before then.

    “Yeah, that’s absolutely not true,” Kiffin told “The Pat McAfee Show” on ESPN on Tuesday. “There has been no ultimatum, anything like that at all. And so I don’t know where that came from, like a lot of stuff that comes out there. Like I said, man, we’re having a blast. I love it here.”

    In fairness to Kiffin, the urgency to decide now rather than at season’s end is a function of today’s college football recruiting calendar and transfer portal. The high school signing period begins Dec. 3 and the transfer portal opens Jan. 2.

    The first round of the CFP will be Dec. 19 and 20. The quarterfinals are on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. Florida and LSU can’t wait that long to hire a coach.

    What should he do? Most seasoned pundits believe he should not budge.

    “Kiffin should stay and see the season out; attempt to win, try to reach the Final Four or beyond, make the memories, and forge the deep bonds that coaching is supposed to be about,” longtime columnist Dan Wetzel wrote for ESPN.

    Reasons to jump to LSU or Florida are that both schools are in talent-rich states with massive fan bases and deep tradition. The ceiling is higher and the stands fuller than in Oxford, Miss. Also, coaches at those established SEC powers tend to dig in for years. Who knows when a similar opportunity will present itself?

    Kiffin’s quandary is understandable. Old Miss administrators, however, vividly recall 2022 when Kiffin was courted by Auburn and allowed the issue to linger and sabotage a potentially great season. The Rebels were 8-1 when the rumors began and then lost four in a row.

    Nobody at Ole Miss wants another collapse because Kiffin — again — had a wandering eye. His decision is difficult, and won’t wait.

    Steve Henson

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  • Keeler: Broncos, Sean Payton want to make Bo Nix’s life easier? Get Marvin Mims Jr. more touches.

    If you’re going to play with your food, Sean Payton, why not make it filet mignon?

    The Broncos are 6-0 this season when Marvin Mims has carried the ball at least once. They’re 11-3 in the regular season when that’s happened over the last two years. They’re 3-1 since September 2024 when Mims has received multiple carries.

    It’s all hands on deck, and this ship is wading into Super Bowl waters, just like Sunshine Sean said it would.

    J.K. Dobbins, your offensive MVP for Weeks 1-10, is lost for the season. You’re replacing those touches by committee from here on out. A dash of RJ Harvey. A smidgen of Jaleel McLaughlin, now your best downhill, between-the-tackles runner by default.

    But might we humbly suggest replacing a pinch of Tyler Badie with more pinches of Mims out of the backfield?

    Or Mims out of the slot?

    Or Mims out of anywhere?

    You can fake a run game over the last seven games of the regular season. You know when you can’t fake it? Against Buffalo or Baltimore in mid-January. Even at home with 80,000 Broncomaniacs at your back, screaming to Mile High Heaven.

    Parker Gabriel’s 7 thoughts after an AFC West-shaping win over K.C., including Bo Nix ‘begging’ Sean Payton to get plays called faster

    “(When) I get the ball. I want to make the most out of it,” Mims told me this past summer. “That’s something I pride myself in, is being an explosive playmaker.

    “So being a ‘gadget’ guy is a good thing; when someone (ESPN) tells you you’re the NFL’s best at something. It’s something that you kind of raise your ears at … but, yeah, I mean, when I see ‘gadget’ (player) I think, ‘explosive playmaker.’ Whether it’s in the return game, offense, screen game, deep pass, give me the ball. I want to make the most out of it.”

    Want to make the most of what’s left of this offense after the bye? Feature more of Mims in it.

    The ex-Oklahoma star appeared on 15 snaps against the Chiefs — just 24% of the offensive plays. Fullback Adam Prentice (19 snaps) got more run with the first-team offense against Kansas City than Mims, a two-time Pro Bowl return man.

    Yes, some of that was choosing discretion over valor. Mims can’t scare anybody from injured reserve. He’s coming off concussion protocol.

    Although by the time the Broncos take the field at Washington on Nov. 30, he’ll be four weeks removed from the ding he took against Dallas on Oct. 26.

    That said, do you want to win a Super Bowl or not?

    No skill player left at Payton’s disposal is as singularly explosive as Mims. And he reminded us all why against KC with another special-teams masterpiece — 101 punt return yards, a new single-game high, and the most by a Bronco since Trindon Holliday’s 121 in 2013. Mims’ 70-yard runback in the first quarter was another career best, putting the defending AFC champions on their heels at the Chiefs’ 21-yard line.

    He’s averaging 11.0 yards per touch from scrimmage since he entered the league. Badie is averaging 7.0 yards. McLaughlin is averaging 4.6 yards. If you don’t want to trust your eyes, fine. Trust the math.

    Payton knows how to do quirky, how to improvise when injuries wreck his best-laid plans. In New Orleans, he made Taysom Hill the archetype modern “gadget” weapon. The former BYU star became a 6-foot-2 utility piece. From 2019-2023, Hill bounced between tight end, receiver and quarterback, depending on whatever Sean had cooked up. Hill recorded five straight seasons with Payton in which he threw at least six passes, ran the ball at least 27 times, and picked up at least four receptions. Over those years, Hill averaged 456.8 passing yards, 392.6 rushing yards and 150.4 receiving yards per season.

    Broncos stock report: Jahdae Barron emerges as Vance Joseph’s tight-end stopper

    Payton is the NFL’s Baron Frankenstein, the mind of a mad scientist merged with Bill Parcell’s crusty soul. So why does it feel as if the only guy who can truly stop Mims with a head of steam in the open field is his own head coach?

    Sean Keeler

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  • Disney channels are back on YouTube TV

    Google and Disney have finally reached an agreement, a couple of weeks after YouTube TV lost access to Disney channels that include ESPN, FX and ABC stations. In a statement, Google said the deal “preserves the value of [its] service for [its] subscribers and future flexibility in [its] offers.” Subscribers will be able to start watching Disney channels as they return over the course of the day, as well as access any content in their library. “We apologize for the disruption and appreciate our subscribers’ patience as we negotiated on their behalf,” YouTube wrote.

    The new deal “recognizes the tremendous value of Disney’s programming and provides YouTube TV subscribers with more flexibility and choice,” Disney Entertainment co-chairpersons Alan Bergman and Dana Walden, as well as ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro said in a statement. “We are pleased that our networks have been restored in time for fans to enjoy the many great programming options this weekend, including college football,” they added.

    Disney pulled its channels from YouTube’s subscription service on October 31 after the companies failed to reach a deal for the renewal of their partnership. Google said at the time that Disney “used the threat of a blackout on YouTube TV as a negotiating tactic to force deal terms that would raise prices on [its] customers.” Meanwhile, Disney accused Google of “refusing to pay fair rates for [its] channels” and using its dominance in the market to “eliminate competition and undercut the industry-standard terms” that its other partners had agreed to.

    According to The Hollywood Reporter, YouTube TV subscribers will get access to select live and library programming from ESPN Unlimited at no extra cost under the terms of the new agreement. Google will also be able to offer Disney+ and Hulu bundles to YouTube TV customers and will be able to offer genre-based channel packages. Google has sent out emails to YouTube TV subscribers, notifying them about the return of Disney channels. It also clarified that they will still be able to claim the $20 credit, which the company gave out to make up for the missing channels, until December 9.

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  • YouTube TV and Disney Reach Deal Ending Two-Week Blackout of ESPN, ABC

    ESPN, ABC and other Disney TV networks are coming back to YouTube TV.

    Google and Disney finally ended their standoff, announcing a multiyear agreement Friday on pricing and terms for a renewed carriage deal for YouTube TV. Disney’s nets went dark on the internet TV service just before midnight ET on Thursday, Oct. 30, after the two sides remained far apart on a deal before the expiration of the previous contract.

    Under the new agreement, ESPN’s full lineup of sports — including content from ESPN Unlimited — will be made available on YouTube TV to base-plan subscribers at no additional cost by the end of 2026. In addition, access to a selection of live and on-demand programming from ESPN Unlimited will be available inside YouTube TV.

    The deal also lets YouTube include the Disney+ and Hulu bundle as part of “select YouTube offerings.” According to Disney, “select networks” will be included in various genre-specific packages that YouTube TV expects to launch in the future.

    “This new agreement reflects our continued commitment to delivering exceptional entertainment and evolving with how audiences choose to watch,’’ Disney Entertainment co-chairmen Alan Bergman and Dana Walden and ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro said in a joint statement. “It recognizes the tremendous value of Disney’s programming and provides YouTube TV subscribers with more flexibility and choice. We are pleased that our networks have been restored in time for fans to enjoy the many great programming options this weekend, including college football.”

    In a statement, a YouTube spokesperson said Friday, “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. 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. ”

    The deal supersedes their prior distribution agreement, inked in December 2021 after a two-day blackout.

    On Sunday (Nov. 9) YouTube began issuing one-time $20 credits to YouTube TV customers for the loss of Disney’s programming, in the hopes it would help stave off user cancelations.

    Many YouTube TV subscribers dropped the service in frustration. According to a survey fielded last week, 24% of YouTube TV users said they had canceled or intended to cancel their accounts over the Disney blackout. A YouTube rep said that “while subscriber churn is always regrettable, it’s been manageable and does not align with the findings of this survey.” Disney took a hit, too, losing more than $4 million per day during the blackout, according to an estimate by Morgan Stanley analysts.

    Google had said Disney was asking for an unprecedented fee increase for the full suite of ESPN channels, ABC local stations, FX, Disney Channel, Freeform, Nat Geo and more — while Disney claimed the tech giant was “refusing to pay fair rates for our channels.” According to Google, Disney was trying to “reset” the market pricing for its programming (so it could charge similarly higher rates in upcoming renewals with other pay-TV distributors) and that Disney was insisting YouTube TV take the Mouse House’s full lineup of networks. The negotiating teams were led by Disney Platform Distribution EVP Sean Breen and YouTube chief business officer Mary Ellen Coe.

    The removal of Disney’s networks from YouTube TV came a day before a busy Nov. 1 Saturday slate for college football as major marquee teams face pivotal contests, many of them aired on ESPN and ABC. In light of the blackout, ESPN made its “College GameDay” football pregame show available free to watch via a livestream on X. YouTube TV customers also missed two airings of “Monday Night Football” on ABC and ESPN. (YouTube pointed out to users they could catch all of ESPN’s programming on the ESPN Unlimited subscription service.)

    Along with Disney’s live channels, YouTube TV customers’ DVR recordings of the media conglomerate’s programming were removed, as is standard in such disputes. With the deal renewal, YouTube TV subscribers will regain access to recordings that were previously in their library, according to YouTube.

    On Thursday, Disney CEO Bob Iger told analysts that the company had been “working tirelessly to close this deal” but said, “It’s also imperative that we make sure that we agree to a deal that reflects the value that we deliver, which both YouTube, by the way, and Alphabet, have told us, is greater than the value of any other provider.”

    Disney Entertainment’s Walden and Bergman and ESPN’s Pitaro had previously addressed the impasse in several memos to staffers. “YouTube TV and its owner, Google, are not interested in achieving a fair deal with us,” the execs wrote in an Oct. 31 email. “Instead, they want to use their power and extraordinary resources to eliminate competition and devalue the very content that helped them build their service.”

    Meanwhile, ahead of this year’s Election Night (Nov. 4), Disney asked Google to restore ABC on YouTube TV for one day to serve the “public interest.” Google declined — and instead suggested that Disney allow YouTube TV to make ABC and ESPN available while the two sides continued talks because those are “the channels that people want.” Disney didn’t go for the idea.

    The Disney-Google clash became public Oct. 23, when Disney began alerting viewers that its networks could be removed from YouTube TV.

    Disney has faced other tough negotiations with distributors amid the transition to ESPN Unlimited — the standalone streaming service launched in August that includes everything on the sports programmer’s lineup — and its continued investment in Disney+ and Hulu.

    In 2023, Disney’s networks had a 10-day blackout on Charter Communications cable systems in a similar fight over price. To settle the Charter deal, Disney allowed Charter’s high-tier TV subscribers to access Disney+ and the ESPN+ streaming app. In 2024, ESPN and other Disney nets went dark on DirecTV for nearly two weeks before they reached a new deal. In October, Disney and Comcast quietly reached a carriage renewal deal.

    Google has encountered no small amount of friction in deal-renewal talks this year for YouTube TV. Other programmers that have fought with the internet company include Paramount Global (now Paramount Skydance), Fox Corp. and NBCUniversal — each of which reached a new deal without a blackout. At the end of September, YouTube TV dropped Univision, with Google alleging the price increases sought by parent company TelevisaUnivision were drastically out of line with viewership on the platform.

    YouTube TV is the biggest internet-TV service in the U.S., estimated to have more than 10 million subscribers. Next is Disney, which last week closed a deal to merge its Hulu + Live TV business with Fubo; together, those have almost 6 million subs in North America. Google had asserted Disney’s hardball tactics over a YouTube TV deal was “benefiting their own live TV products, including Hulu + Live TV and Fubo.”

    Todd Spangler

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  • The YouTube TV Disney blackout continues: How to watch NCAA football this weekend

    We’re about to enter our third week of what feels like a never-ending contract dispute between Disney and YouTube TV that has left YouTube TV customers without access to over 20 Disney-owned channels. Reports estimate that Disney is losing $4.3 million per day during the blackout, you you would think they’d like to resolve the situation quickly, but Disney CFO Hugh Johnston stated ominously earlier this week, “We’re ready to go as long as they want to.” On the up side, YouTube TV has finally started issuing $20 credits to customers as consolation for their troubles, but will that be enough to keep their base from jumping ship and finding a new streaming service? As a reminder of how we got here, the Walt Disney Co. pulled its channels from YouTube TV on Oct. 30 after the two companies failed to reach new terms on their latest carriage agreement, and YouTube TV subscribers have gone without NFL, NBA and NCAA games on ABC and ESPN’s suite of channels for two full weeks. With no agreement in sight, YouTube TV subscribers will be left in the dark for this weekend’s NCAA football games, and possibly Monday Night Football, too.

    With huge conference matchups like Texas vs. Georgia and Oklahoma vs. Alabama on ABC and Florida vs. Ole Miss on ESPN this Saturday,, you’ll need to seek out alternative viewing methods if you rely on YouTube TV for those channels. And unfortunately for YouTube TV’s negotiating position, there are plenty of options.

    One of the cheapest ways to watch ESPN is with a Sling Day Pass — for just $5/day, you can tune into any and all ESPN programming with no other commitments. If you want a full switch from YouTube TV, there’s Hulu + Live TV, DirecTV, or Fubo, where you can watch all the Disney-owned channels. (Remember, unlike a lot of cable plans, you can easily pause or cancel YouTube TV or any of these alternatives, so long as you have month-to-month subscriptions.) Below, we’ve outlined some of your best options to watch ESPN, the Disney Channel, ABC and more, all pulled from our list of best live TV streaming services to cut cable, as well as a comprehensive list of which channels have been affected, and the biggest sporting events of the week that won’t be available to YouTube TV subscribers.

    What games are on ESPN/ABC this week?

    If you’re wondering what games you might miss as a result of the YouTube TV/Disney blackout, here’s a list of some upcoming sports you may not want to miss:

    NCAA Football

    Friday, Nov. 14

    5:30 p.m. | South Carolina State at North Carolina Central | ESPN2
    7:30 p.m. | Clemson at No. 20 Louisville | ESPN

    Saturday, Nov. 15

    12 p.m. | South Carolina at No. 3 Texas A&M | ESPN
    12 p.m. | No. 9 Notre Dame at No. 22 Pitt | ABC
    12 p.m. | Kansas State at Oklahoma State | ESPNU
    12 p.m. | No. 24 South Florida at Navy | ESPN2
    12:45 p.m. | Arkansas at LSU | SEC Network
    1:30 p.m. | Tennessee Tech at Kentucky| SEC Network +
    3:30 p.m. | No. 11 Oklahoma at No. 4 Alabama | ABC
    3:30 p.m. | No. 19 Virginia at Duke | ESPN2
    3:30 p.m. | No. 16 Georgia Tech at Boston College | ACC Network
    3:30 p.m. | NC State at No. 15 Miami (Fla.) | ESPN
    4 p.m. | Memphis at East Carolina | ESPNU
    4:15 p.m. | New Mexico State at No. 23 Tennessee | SEC Network
    7 p.m. | Florida at No. 7 Ole Miss | ESPN
    7 p.m. | No. 13 Utah at Baylor | ESPN2
    7:30 p.m. | No. 10 Texas at No. 5 Georgia | ABC
    7:30 p.m. | Virginia Tech at Florida State | ACC Network
    7:45 p.m. | Mississippi State at Missouri | SEC Network
    8 p.m. | Kennesaw State at Jacksonville State | ESPNU
    10:15 p.m. | TCU at No. 12 BYU | ESPN
    10:30 p.m. | UC Davis at Montana State | ESPN2

    NWSL

    Sunday, Nov. 16

    3 p.m. | NWSL Semifinal: Orlando Pride vs. Gotham FC | ABC

    NFL

    Monday, Nov. 17

    8 p.m. | MNF: Dallas Cowboys vs. Las Vegas Raiders | ESPN

    Grab an ESPN bundle so you won’t miss the NFL, NBA or any other games

    For $29.99, the ESPN unlimited package includes access to all of ESPN’s linear networks: ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, SECN, ACCN, ESPNews and ESPN Deportes, plus access to programming on ABC, ESPN+ content, ESPN3, SECN+ and ACCNX. That means fans will get coverage of more than 47,000 live events each year, on-demand replays, original programming and more so you won’t miss a single Monday Night Football game or any weekend college football game on ABC or ESPN’s suite of channels. Plus, you can watch your favorite ABC shows the day after they air.

    Right now, for a limited time, you can bundle ESPN unlimited with Disney+ and Hulu and pay $29.99/month for 12 months — that’s like getting those other services free for a year. Even if you’re a current subscriber to Disney+, Hulu or even the bundle, you can still upgrade to this great deal. 

    $29.99/month at ESPN

    Get Hulu + Live TV at a great price

    Image for the small product module

    Hulu’s live TV tier includes access to live TV channels like ESPN, ABC, NBC, Fox, and access to Disney+ and ESPN select. For a limited time, you can get a hefty discount on the service for 3 months. New and eligible returning subscribers (those who have not been Hulu subscribers in the past month) can sign up for Hulu + Live TV (with ads) for $64.99/month for their first three months. This is an especially great value considering that Hulu and Disney+ increased their prices on Oct. 21. 

    You’ll also enjoy access to unlimited DVR storage, the ability to stream on multiple devices and more. This special rate ends at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT on Nov. 18.

    After the three-month trial period, your subscription will continue at the regular market rate of $89.99, but if you’re looking for an alternative to YouTube TV, now’s the perfect time to take advantage of this deal. (If the YouTube situation is resolved before the weekend is up, you can also just sign up for a 3-day trial of Hulu + Live TV).

    $64.99/month at Hulu

    Try Fubo free for a week and get $30 your first month

    Image for the small product module

    If you’re looking for a stopgap so you won’t miss any major games or shows this weekend, Fubo is offering a free 7-day trial so you can check out everything the platform has to offer, risk-free, and on top of that, you can get $30 off your first month.

    Fubo TV gives you access to ESPN, Fox, ABC, CBS, NFL Network, and 100+ more live channels. At $80/month, the live TV streaming service is definitely a big investment but it’s one of the most comprehensive ways to watch live TV including the new NCAA season, the NFL, MLB and more, and still leaves you with major savings compared to a traditional cable package. Fubo subscribers also get 1,000 hours of cloud DVR storage.

    Try it free, then get $30 off at Fubo

    Try DirecTV free for 5 days, and get $30 off your first month

    Image for the small product module

    DirecTV offers loads of great live channels, which means you can watch thousands of live sporting events, live TV and more with a regular subscription. And right now, for a limited time, you can get a $20 bill credit off your first month when you sign up, plus at least $10 more off per month for your first 24 months with a DirecTV Choice, Ultimate or Premier package — that’s over $250 in savings. You can find information on every package here. 

    Right now you can also get a free 5-day trial to test out the platform. 

    $30 off your first month at DirecTV

    What about Sling “day passes”?

    You may have heard that Sling offers day, weekend and week passes to its streaming programming for as little as $5 per day. That is an option if you’re looking for just some of the ESPN channels (the Sling Orange tier), but ABC isn’t included. (If you’re just looking to catch one of this week’s big games, like Monday Night Football on ESPN, it’s a great short-term solution.) If you want a longer-term solution, you can get both ESPN and ABC with Sling’s Orange and Blue package ($30 a month to start, $61 thereafter), but you’ll need to add on the Sports Extra package for ESPNU, which requires an additional charge.

    Get your local Disney/ABC programming for free

    Need your local ABC programming? Your station may have its own free local streaming news channel (many do), you can see if The Roku Channel carries your local station’s news, or download your local news station app if it’s a Nexstar channel.

    The other alternative — if you’re within the broadcast radius of a local ABC affiliate — is to get an over-the-air antenna. You can plug in your ZIP code at antennaweb.org to see what channels are in your area. This off-brand unit has worked very well in our initial testing — it’s under $30, and the channels are truly free.

    Which channels are no longer available on YouTube TV?

    Every channel that’s owned by The Walt Disney Company is currently blacked out on YouTube TV. Those channels are:

    Update Nov. 14 2025 4:21PM ET: This story has been updated to include viewing info for weekend college football games, as well as the next Monday Night Football.

    Update Nov. 10 2025, 4:43PM ET: This story has been updated to include news on the $20 rebate for YouTube TV subscribers, as well as to update the list of upcoming football games for the week.

    Update Nov. 6 2025, 4:38PM ET: This story has been updated to include viewing info for weekend college football games, as well as the next Monday Night Football.

    Update Nov. 5 2025, 12:32PM ET: This story has been updated to include detailed info on tonight’s ESPN NBA games.

    Update Nov. 3 2025, 6:36PM ET: This story has been updated to include YouTube TV’s latest response to Disney’s request to restore its channels for just 24 hours.

    Liz Kocan

    Source link

  • The YouTube TV Disney blackout continues: How to watch Wednesday NBA games and prep for weekend college football

    The Disney/YouTube TV saga, now in its second week, is still showing no sign of a resolution. While the blackout is painful for subscribers who have been left without access to over 20 channels, Disney is also feeling the pinch, with reports estimating they’re losing $4.3 million per day during the dispute. The good news for YouTube subscribers is that the platform has finally started issuing $20 credits as consolation for their troubles, but will that be enough to keep their base from jumping ship and finding a new streaming service? As a reminder of how we got here, the Walt Disney Co. pulled its channels from YouTube TV on Oct. 30 after the two companies failed to reach new terms on their latest carriage agreement, and YouTube TV subscribers have gone without NFL, NBA and NCAA games on ABC and ESPN’s suite of channels for two straight weekends. With no agreement in sight, YouTube TV subscribers will be left in the dark for tonight’s NBA games, too.

    Tonight’s basketball games between the Orlando Magic vs. New York Knicks and Los Angeles Lakers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder both air on ESPN, so if you want to catch either game (or watch The Golden Bachelor season finale on ABC!), you’ll need to seek out alternative viewing methods. And unfortunately for YouTube TV’s negotiating position, there are plenty of options.

    One of the cheapest ways to watch ESPN is with a Sling Day Pass — for just $5/day, you can tune into any and all ESPN programming with no other commitments. If you want a full switch from YouTube TV, there’s Hulu + Live TV, DirecTV, or Fubo, where you can watch all the Disney-owned channels. (Remember, unlike a lot of cable plans, you can easily pause or cancel YouTube TV or any of these alternatives, so long as you have month-to-month subscriptions.) Below, we’ve outlined some of your best options to watch ESPN, the Disney Channel, ABC and more, all pulled from our list of best live TV streaming services to cut cable, as well as a comprehensive list of which channels have been affected, and the biggest sporting events of the week that won’t be available to YouTube TV subscribers.

    What games are on ESPN/ABC this week?

    If you’re wondering what games you might miss as a result of the YouTube TV/Disney blackout, here’s a list of some upcoming sports you may not want to miss:

    NBA

    Wednesday, Nov. 12

    7 p.m. | Orlando Magic vs. New York Knicks | ESPN

    9:35 p.m. | Los Angeles Lakers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder | ESPN

    NCAA Football

    Thursday, Nov. 13

    7:30 p.m. | Troy at Old Dominion | ESPN

    Friday, Nov. 14

    5:30 p.m. | South Carolina State at North Carolina Central | ESPN2
    7:30 p.m. | Clemson at No. 20 Louisville | ESPN

    Grab an ESPN bundle so you won’t miss the NFL, NBA or any other games

    For $29.99, the ESPN unlimited package includes access to all of ESPN’s linear networks: ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, SECN, ACCN, ESPNews and ESPN Deportes, plus access to programming on ABC, ESPN+ content, ESPN3, SECN+ and ACCNX. That means fans will get coverage of more than 47,000 live events each year, on-demand replays, original programming and more so you won’t miss a single Monday Night Football game or any weekend college football game on ABC or ESPN’s suite of channels. Plus, you can watch your favorite ABC shows the day after they air.

    Right now, for a limited time, you can bundle ESPN unlimited with Disney+ and Hulu and pay $29.99/month for 12 months — that’s like getting those other services free for a year. Even if you’re a current subscriber to Disney+, Hulu or even the bundle, you can still upgrade to this great deal. 

    $29.99/month at ESPN

    Get Hulu + Live TV at a great price

    Image for the small product module

    Hulu’s live TV tier includes access to live TV channels like ESPN, ABC, NBC, Fox, and access to Disney+ and ESPN select. For a limited time, you can get a hefty discount on the service for 3 months. New and eligible returning subscribers (those who have not been Hulu subscribers in the past month) can sign up for Hulu + Live TV (with ads) for $64.99/month for their first three months. This is an especially great value considering that Hulu and Disney+ increased their prices on Oct. 21. 

    You’ll also enjoy access to unlimited DVR storage, the ability to stream on multiple devices and more. This special rate ends at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT on Nov. 18.

    After the three-month trial period, your subscription will continue at the regular market rate of $89.99, but if you’re looking for an alternative to YouTube TV, now’s the perfect time to take advantage of this deal. (If the YouTube situation is resolved before the weekend is up, you can also just sign up for a 3-day trial of Hulu + Live TV).

    $64.99/month at Hulu

    Try Fubo free for a week and get $30 your first month

    Image for the small product module

    If you’re looking for a stopgap so you won’t miss any major games or shows this weekend, Fubo is offering a free 7-day trial so you can check out everything the platform has to offer, risk-free, and on top of that, you can get $30 off your first month.

    Fubo TV gives you access to ESPN, Fox, ABC, CBS, NFL Network, and 100+ more live channels. At $80/month, the live TV streaming service is definitely a big investment but it’s one of the most comprehensive ways to watch live TV including the new NCAA season, the NFL, MLB and more, and still leaves you with major savings compared to a traditional cable package. Fubo subscribers also get 1,000 hours of cloud DVR storage.

    Try it free, then get $30 off at Fubo

    Try DirecTV free for 5 days, and get $30 off your first month

    Image for the small product module

    DirecTV offers loads of great live channels, which means you can watch thousands of live sporting events, live TV and more with a regular subscription. And right now, for a limited time, you can get a $20 bill credit off your first month when you sign up, plus at least $10 more off per month for your first 24 months with a DirecTV Choice, Ultimate or Premier package — that’s over $250 in savings. You can find information on every package here. 

    Right now you can also get a free 5-day trial to test out the platform. 

    $30 off your first month at DirecTV

    What about Sling “day passes”?

    You may have heard that Sling offers day, weekend and week passes to its streaming programming for as little as $5 per day. That is an option if you’re looking for just some of the ESPN channels (the Sling Orange tier), but ABC isn’t included. (If you’re just looking to catch one of this week’s big games, like Monday Night Football on ESPN, it’s a great short-term solution.) If you want a longer-term solution, you can get both ESPN and ABC with Sling’s Orange and Blue package ($30 a month to start, $61 thereafter), but you’ll need to add on the Sports Extra package for ESPNU, which requires an additional charge.

    Get your local Disney/ABC programming for free

    Need your local ABC programming? Your station may have its own free local streaming news channel (many do), you can see if The Roku Channel carries your local station’s news, or download your local news station app if it’s a Nexstar channel.

    The other alternative — if you’re within the broadcast radius of a local ABC affiliate — is to get an over-the-air antenna. You can plug in your ZIP code at antennaweb.org to see what channels are in your area. This off-brand unit has worked very well in our initial testing — it’s under $30, and the channels are truly free.

    Which channels are no longer available on YouTube TV?

    Every channel that’s owned by The Walt Disney Company is currently blacked out on YouTube TV. Those channels are:

    Update Nov. 10 2025, 4:43PM ET: This story has been updated to include news on the $20 rebate for YouTube TV subscribers, as well as to update the list of upcoming football games for the week.

    Update Nov. 6 2025, 4:38PM ET: This story has been updated to include viewing info for weekend college football games, as well as the next Monday Night Football.

    Update Nov. 5 2025, 12:32PM ET: This story has been updated to include detailed info on tonight’s ESPN NBA games.

    Update Nov. 3 2025, 6:36PM ET: This story has been updated to include YouTube TV’s latest response to Disney’s request to restore its channels for just 24 hours.

    Liz Kocan

    Source link

  • Trump wants his name on new Washington Commanders stadium, report says – WTOP News

    President Donald Trump reportedly wants the new Washington Commanders football stadium to be named after himself, ESPN reports.

    With efforts underway to build an updated Washington Commanders football stadium at the old RFK site in D.C., President Donald Trump allegedly wants the new facility named after himself, according to an ESPN report that broke Saturday.

    Trump administration officials and a member of the Commanders’ ownership group have been engaged in backchannel discussions on the matter, a senior White House source told ESPN.

    “That would be a beautiful name, as it was President Trump who made the rebuilding of the new stadium possible,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt wrote in a statement to ESPN.

    The sports outlet says she declined to answer additional questions, but added, “It’s what the president wants, and it will probably happen.”

    A Commanders spokesperson declined comment.

    Trump is scheduled to attend the Commanders’ home game against the Detroit Lions on Sunday; a team source told ESPN that while stakeholders expect to have conversations with Trump about the stadium name at the game, no formal discussions have taken place so far.

    The Commanders do own the new stadium’s naming rights, presumably to be sold to a corporate sponsor. The final call will likely be made by the D.C. Council, which will lease the stadium to the Commanders, and the National Park Service, which manages the land on which the facility will be built.

    The new stadium was first teased in April by Mayor Muriel Bowser and Commanders owner Josh Harris. Back in July, Trump said he would block the construction of the stadium if Harris did not change the team name from Commanders back to its former Redskins moniker. Regardless, in September, the stadium was officially approved with an 11-2 Council vote. It’s slated to be finished in 2030.

    Get breaking news and daily headlines delivered to your email inbox by signing up here.

    © 2025 WTOP. All Rights Reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.

    Ralph Fox

    Source link

  • Trump wants his name on new Washington Commanders stadium in DC – WTOP News

    President Donald Trump reportedly wants the new Washington Commanders football stadium at the old RFK Stadium site to be named after himself.

    With efforts underway to build an updated Washington Commanders football stadium at the old RFK Stadium site in D.C., President Donald Trump allegedly wants the new facility named after himself, according to an ESPN report that broke Saturday.

    Trump administration officials and a member of the Commanders’ ownership group have been engaged in backchannel discussions on the matter, a senior White House source told ESPN.

    “That would be a beautiful name, as it was President Trump who made the rebuilding of the new stadium possible,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt wrote in a statement to ESPN.

    The sports outlet says she declined to answer additional questions, but added, “It’s what the president wants, and it will probably happen.”

    A Commanders spokesperson declined to comment. The office of the city’s mayor, Muriel Bowser, declined comment, according to The Associated Press.

    Trump is scheduled to attend the Commanders’ home game against the Detroit Lions on Sunday; a team source told ESPN that while stakeholders expect to have conversations with Trump about the stadium name at the game, no formal discussions have taken place so far.

    The Commanders do own the new stadium’s naming rights, presumably to be sold to a corporate sponsor. The final call will likely be made by the D.C. Council, which will lease the stadium to the Commanders, and the National Park Service, which manages the land on which the facility will be built.

    Former President Joe Biden signed a bill in January that transferred the land that had the old stadium from control of the federal government to the District.

    The new stadium was first teased in April by Bowser and Commanders owner Josh Harris. Back in July, Trump said he would block the construction of the stadium if Harris did not change the team name from Commanders back to its former Redskins moniker. Regardless, in September, the stadium was officially approved with an 11-2 council vote. It’s slated to be finished in 2030.

    The Associated Press contributed to this story.

    Get breaking news and daily headlines delivered to your email inbox by signing up here.

    © 2025 WTOP. All Rights Reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.

    Ralph Fox

    Source link

  • ESPN Bet Changes Partners to DraftKings • This Week in Gambling

    The partnership between Penn Entertainment and ESPN Bet will end nearly eight years ahead of schedule, marking a major shift in the U.S. sports betting landscape. Originally launched in late 2023 as a 10-year, $1.5 billion agreement, ESPN Bet was intended to combine ESPN’s massive sports media reach with Penn’s gaming expertise. The collaboration struggled to meet expectations, capturing only around three percent of the national betting market, far below its initial targets.

    Penn announced that the partnership will conclude on December 1, 2025. The decision was described as mutual and amicable. Following the split, Penn will rebrand its sportsbook under the name theScore Bet, a brand it already operates in Canada. The ESPN Bet app will automatically transition to the new identity once the deal ends. Penn CEO Jay Snowden said the move allows the company to focus on integrating its digital products and expanding its iCasino business, rather than relying heavily on expensive media partnerships.

    For ESPN, the end of ESPN Bet does not signal a retreat from the sports wagering space but rather a strategic pivot. The network has entered into a new multi-year deal with DraftKings, which will become the exclusive official sportsbook and odds provider of ESPN. This partnership will go into effect the same day the Penn deal expires. ESPN plans to integrate DraftKings’ sportsbook and fantasy products directly into its platforms, including a new betting tab within the ESPN app and expanded betting-focused programming such as ESPN Bet Live.

    The decision underscores how challenging it remains for new entrants to secure market share in the crowded U.S. sports betting sector, dominated by DraftKings and FanDuel. Despite ESPN Bet’s strong brand recognition and heavy promotional backing, it failed to convert that visibility into sustained customer growth.

    With the transition, ESPN shifts from operating a branded sportsbook to leveraging its media dominance through strategic integrations, while Penn refocuses on its core gaming operations. The end of ESPN Bet’s short-lived run illustrates the evolving balance between media partnerships and betting operators competing for attention in an increasingly saturated market.

    This Week in Gambling

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  • The YouTube TV Disney blackout continues: How to watch college football on ESPN, ABC and more

    It doesn’t look like Disney-owned channels including ABC and ESPN will be returning to YouTube TV anytime soon. The Walt Disney Co. pulled its channels from YouTube TV as of midnight on Oct. 30 after the two companies failed to reach new terms on their latest carriage agreement and the spat is showing no signs of a resolution yet. While big sporting events are often where the rubber meets the road on these channel blackouts, YouTube TV subscribers were unable to see any college football games on ABC or ESPN all weekend, and it’s looking like this weekend will be just as frustrating for sports fans.

    YouTube TV had previously stated that if Disney’s channels remain off the platform for an extended period, customers will receive a $20 monthly credit. YouTube has confirmed this credit hasn’t been activated yet for customers, but if and when it is, the discount provides little consolation if you want to watch this weekend’s college games or your favorite shows like Abbott Elementary, Grey’s Anatomy and Dancing with the Stars the night they air. If you do want to watch any live shows or sports this week, you’ll need to seek out alternative viewing methods. And unfortunately for YouTube TV’s negotiating position, there are plenty of options.

    One of the cheapest ways to watch ESPN is with a Sling Day Pass — for just $5/day, you can tune into any and all ESPN programming with no other commitments. If you want a full switch from YouTube TV, there’s Hulu + Live TV, DirecTV, or Fubo, where you can watch all the Disney-owned channels. (Remember, unlike a lot of cable plans, you can easily pause or cancel YouTube TV or any of these alternatives, so long as you have month-to-month subscriptions.) Below, we’ve outlined some of your best options to watch ESPN, the Disney Channel, ABC and more, all pulled from our list of best live TV streaming services to cut cable, as well as a comprehensive list of which channels have been affected, and the biggest sporting events of the week that won’t be available to YouTube TV subscribers.

    What games are on ESPN/ABC this week?

    If you’re wondering what games you might miss as a result of the YouTubeTV/Disney blackout, here’s a list of some upcoming sports you may not want to miss:

    College Football

    Thursday, Nov. 6

    7:30 p.m. | Georgia Southern at Appalachian State | ESPN2

    7:30 p.m. | UTSA at South Florida | ESPN

    Friday, Nov. 7

    9 p.m. | Tulane at Memphis | ESPN

    Saturday, Nov. 8

    12 p.m. | No. 5 Georgia at Mississippi State | ESPN

    12 p.m. | No. 7 BYU at No. 8 Texas Tech | ABC

    12 p.m. | SMU at Boston College | ACC Network

    12 p.m. | James Madison at Marshall | ESPN2

    12 p.m. | Southern Miss at Arkansas State | ESPNU

    3:30 p.m. | No. 3 Texas A&M at No. 22 Missouri | ABC

    3:30 p.m. | Syracuse at No. 18 Miami (Fla.) | ESPN

    3:30 p.m. | Kansas at Arizona | ESPN2

    4 p.m. | Auburn at No. 16 Vanderbilt | SEC Network

    4 p.m. | Kennesaw State at New Mexico State | ESPN+

    4 p.m. | Georgia State at Coastal Carolina | ESPN+

    5 p.m. | Texas State at Louisiana | ESPN+

    7 p.m. | Wake Forest at No. 14 Virginia | ESPN

    7 p.m. | Cal at No. 15 Louisville | ESPN2

    7 p.m. | Florida State at Clemson | ACCN

    7:30 p.m. | LSU at No. 4 Alabama | ABC

    7:30 p.m. | Florida at Kentucky | SEC Network

    NFL

    Monday, Nov. 10

    8:15 p.m. | Philadelphia Eagles vs. Green Bay Packers | ESPN/ABC

    Grab an ESPN bundle so you won’t miss the NFL, NBA or any other games

    For $29.99, the ESPN unlimited package includes access to all of ESPN’s linear networks: ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, SECN, ACCN, ESPNews and ESPN Deportes, plus access to programming on ABC, ESPN+ content, ESPN3, SECN+ and ACCNX. That means fans will get coverage of more than 47,000 live events each year, on-demand replays, original programming and more so you won’t miss a single Monday Night Football game or any weekend college football game on ABC or ESPN’s suite of channels. Plus, you can watch your favorite ABC shows the day after they air.

    Right now, for a limited time, you can bundle ESPN unlimited with Disney+ and Hulu and pay $29.99/month for 12 months — that’s like getting those other services free for a year. Even if you’re a current subscriber to Disney+, Hulu or even the bundle, you can still upgrade to this great deal. 

    $29.99/month at ESPN

    Get Hulu + Live TV at a great price

    Image for the small product module

    Hulu’s live TV tier includes access to live TV channels like ESPN, ABC, NBC, Fox, and access to Disney+ and ESPN select. For a limited time, you can get a hefty discount on the service for 3 months. New and eligible returning subscribers (those who have not been Hulu subscribers in the past month) can sign up for Hulu + Live TV (with ads) for $64.99/month for their first three months. This is an especially great value considering that Hulu and Disney+ increased their prices on Oct. 21. 

    You’ll also enjoy access to unlimited DVR storage, the ability to stream on multiple devices and more. This special rate ends at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT on Nov. 18.

    After the three-month trial period, your subscription will continue at the regular market rate of $89.99, but if you’re looking for an alternative to YouTube TV, now’s the perfect time to take advantage of this deal. (If the YouTube situation is resolved before the weekend is up, you can also just sign up for a 3-day trial of Hulu + Live TV).

    $64.99/month at Hulu

    Try Fubo free for a week and get $30 your first month

    Image for the small product module

    If you’re looking for a stopgap so you won’t miss any major games or shows this weekend, Fubo is offering a free 7-day trial so you can check out everything the platform has to offer, risk-free, and on top of that, you can get $30 off your first month.

    Fubo TV gives you access to ESPN, Fox, ABC, CBS, NFL Network, and 100+ more live channels. At $80/month, the live TV streaming service is definitely a big investment but it’s one of the most comprehensive ways to watch live TV including the new NCAA season, the NFL, MLB and more, and still leaves you with major savings compared to a traditional cable package. Fubo subscribers also get 1,000 hours of cloud DVR storage.

    Try it free, then get $30 off at Fubo

    Try DirecTV free for 5 days, and get $30 off your first month

    Image for the small product module

    DirecTV offers loads of great live channels, which means you can watch thousands of live sporting events, live TV and more with a regular subscription. And right now, for a limited time, you can get a $20 bill credit off your first month when you sign up, plus at least $10 more off per month for your first 24 months with a DirecTV Choice, Ultimate or Premier package — that’s over $250 in savings. You can find information on every package here. 

    Right now you can also get a free 5-day trial to test out the platform. 

    $30 off your first month at DirecTV

    What about Sling “day passes”?

    You may have heard that Sling offers day, weekend and week passes to its streaming programming for as little as $5 per day. That is an option if you’re looking for just some of the ESPN channels (the Sling Orange tier), but ABC isn’t included. (If you’re just looking to catch one of this week’s big games, like Monday Night Football on ESPN, it’s a great short-term solution.) If you want a longer-term solution, you can get both ESPN and ABC with Sling’s Orange and Blue package ($30 a month to start, $61 thereafter), but you’ll need to add on the Sports Extra package for ESPNU, which requires an additional charge.

    Get your local Disney/ABC programming for free

    Need your local ABC programming? Your station may have its own free local streaming news channel (many do), you can see if The Roku Channel carries your local station’s news, or download your local news station app if it’s a Nexstar channel.

    The other alternative — if you’re within the broadcast radius of a local ABC affiliate — is to get an over-the-air antenna. You can plug in your ZIP code at antennaweb.org to see what channels are in your area. This off-brand unit has worked very well in our initial testing — it’s under $30, and the channels are truly free.

    Which channels are no longer available on YouTube TV?

    Every channel that’s owned by The Walt Disney Company is currently blacked out on YouTube TV. Those channels are:

    Update Nov. 6 2025, 4:38PM ET: This story has been updated to include viewing info for weekend college football games, as well as the next Monday Night Football.

    Update Nov. 5 2025, 12:32PM ET: This story has been updated to include detailed info on tonight’s ESPN NBA games.

    Update Nov. 3 2025, 6:36PM ET: This story has been updated to include YouTube TV’s latest response to Disney’s request to restore its channels for just 24 hours.

    Liz Kocan

    Source link

  • These Channels Are Blocked During the Disney-YouTube TV Fight

    It’s certainly been a spooky week for the Walt Disney Co. and Google. The two corporations are in the midst of a carriage dispute that has resulted in a blackout of Disney’s networks on Google-owned YouTube TV, leaving viewers unable to access popular channels including ESPN and ABC.

    Disney began notifying viewers on October 23 about the dispute and warning that its networks could be removed from the pay-TV streaming platform.

    All of that came to a head [last week] as the two parties failed to come to an agreement on a new deal, and YouTube TV began removing Disney’s networks about 30 minutes before the previous carriage deal expired at midnight Eastern time.

    One area of contention between the two seems to be around pricing, with Disney asking for rate hikes that Google isn’t agreeing to. 

    A number of YouTube TV subscribers complained on social media about having their access cut, with some noting how the situation is reminiscent of the contract battles that have long plagued cable television.

    “I’ll never forget how liberating it was in 2018 to cut the cord & subscribe to YouTube TV,” John Martin, a radio host on sports station 92.9 FM ESPN, wrote on X, adding that “Nothing good ever lasts, kids.” 

    “I wish cable just figured it out,” one X user wrote. “[This] should be the time they try to win others back but basically are like, hold my beer. hah,” another user wrote. Still another said: “I just switched, and now I have to find ANOTHER streaming platform.”

    Companies play the blame game

    Reached for comment, Google directed Fast Company to a statement released by YouTube on Thursday. 

    “Last week, Disney used the threat of a blackout on YouTube TV as a negotiating tactic to force deal terms that would raise prices on our customers,” the post on YouTube’s blog read. “They’re now following through on that threat, suspending their content on YouTube TV. This decision directly harms our subscribers while benefiting their own live TV products, including Hulu + Live TV and Fubo.”

    The post continued to say that while the situation is a “frustrating and disappointing outcome” for YouTube TV subscribers, the company said it was urging Disney to work “constructively to reach a fair agreement that restores their networks to YouTube TV.” 

    If an agreement wasn’t reached and the content remained off YouTube TV, Google said it would offer subscribers a $20 credit.

    Disney, meanwhile, is pointing the finger at Google, accusing the tech giant of “using its market dominance to eliminate the competition and undercut the industry-standard terms” that it says it has already negotiated with other distributors.

    “Unfortunately, Google’s YouTube TV has chosen to deny their subscribers the content they value most by refusing to pay fair rates for our channels, including ESPN and ABC,” a Disney spokesperson said. “Without a new agreement in place, their subscribers will not have access to our programming, which includes the best lineup in live sports—anchored by the NFL, NBA, and college football, with 13 of the top 25 college teams playing this weekend.” 

    On Friday, a memo was shared with Disney Entertainment and ESPN employees from Disney Entertainment co-chairs Dana Walden and Alan Berg and ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro, regarding YouTube TV. The memo, obtained by Fast Company, reiterated a similar sentiment as the statement. 

    The three executives wrote that Google’s actions “make clear how little regard they have for their customers and are consistent with an attitude which has been prevalent throughout our negotiations—YouTube TV and its owner, Google, are not interested in achieving a fair deal with us.

    “The bottom line is that our channels are extremely valuable, and we can only continue to program them with the sports and entertainment viewers love most if we stand our ground against tactics that threaten the integrity of our business and the value of our creative work,” the note concluded.

    Which channels are being blacked out?

    The networks impacted and being removed from YouTube TV include ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPNews, Freeform, FX, FXX, FXM, Disney Channel, Disney Junior, Disney XD, SEC Network, Nat Geo, Nat Geo Wild, ABC News Live, ACC Network, and Localish, as well as ESPN Deportes, Baby TV Español, and Nat Geo Mundo for those with the Spanish plan.

    This isn’t the first time that corporations have butted heads over the distribution of television content, nor is it the first time that YouTube TV has gotten into disputes with other entertainment giants.

    Paramount Global (now Paramount Skydance), Fox Corporation, and NBCUniversal all recently battled with the streaming service, though they were able to eventually reach a deal to avert a blackout.

    YouTube TV also previously dropped Univision and other TelevisaUnivision-owned networks in September after the two parties could not come to an agreement. 

    Meanwhile, Disney and Charter Communications had a public dispute over a renewal in 2023, though the two parties were able to resolve the problem to avert a blackout.

    The impact on subscribers

    Experts in the industry said those who suffer most from these ongoing carriage renewal disputes are the customers.

    Brandon Katz, director of insights and content strategy at Greenlight Analytics, said that while carriage disputes have always been present in the linear pay-TV era, the fragmentation of current at-home entertainment makes the lapses much more noticeable, especially when dealing with sports broadcast rights that are strewn across the small-screen ecosystem.

    “When consumers are juggling multiple subscriptions, often directed by access to specific content such as sports channels, their removal causes added friction,” Katz told Fast Company. “That friction often leads to a temporary spike in cancellations and, in this instance, perhaps a short-term bump in ESPN Unlimited and/or Disney Bundle sign-ups. Convenience, cost, and access rule consumer decision-making in the convoluted streaming era.”

    YouTube TV is estimated to be the fourth-largest multichannel video programming distributor (MVPD) in the United States, rivaling traditional cable providers with around 10 million subscribers. That means it wields enormous leverage, although Katz did point out that blackouts caused by disputes like this typically don’t last too long.

    “Even when these disputes result in a blackout, they don’t usually extend past a couple weeks,” Katz said. “I fully expect YouTube TV and Disney to reach a deal in the near future. However, the increasing frequency of these disputes and the overextended nature of sports rights these days make it particularly frustrating for consumers, who ultimately vote with their wallets.”

    By Saleah Blancaflor

    This article originally appeared in Inc.’s sister publication, Fast Company.

    Fast Company is the world’s leading business media brand, with an editorial focus on innovation in technology, leadership, world changing ideas, creativity, and design. Written for and about the most progressive business leaders, Fast Company inspires readers to think expansively, lead with purpose, embrace change, and shape the future of business.

    The early-rate deadline for the 2026 Inc. Regionals Awards is Friday, November 14, at 11:59 p.m. PT. Apply now.

    Fast Company

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  • YouTube TV blackout with Disney: How to watch ESPN, ABC and more as a YouTube TV subscriber

    It doesn’t look like Disney-owned channels including ABC and ESPN will be returning to YouTube TV anytime soon. The Walt Disney Co. pulled its channels from YouTube TV as of midnight on Oct. 30 after the two companies failed to reach new terms on their latest carriage agreement. While big sporting events are often where the rubber meets the road on these channel blackouts, YouTube TV subscribers were unable to see any college football games on ABC or ESPN all weekend, and it looks like anyone hoping to watch tonight’s Monday Night Football game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Dallas Cowboys will suffer the same fate: YouTube TV management has officially rebuffed Disney’s request for a 24-hour restoration of its channels in a blog post — ostensibly to offer coverage of Tuesday’s elections — proposing instead that Disney reactivate the feeds for ABC and ESPN while negotiations continue.

    YouTube TV had previously stated that if Disney’s channels remain off the platform for an extended period, customers will receive a $20 monthly credit. That’s all fine and good, but if you’re looking to watch tonight’s game or your favorite shows — including Abbott Elementary, Grey’s Anatomy and Dancing with the Stars, or Wednesday’s NBA games — you’ll need to seek out alternative viewing methods. And unfortunately for YouTube TV’s negotiating position, there are plenty of options.

    One of the cheapest ways to watch ESPN is with a Sling Day Pass — for just $5/day, you can tune into any and all ESPN programming, including Monday Night Football, with no other commitments. If you want a full switch from YouTube TV, there’s Hulu + Live TV, DirecTV, or Fubo, where you can watch all the Disney-owned channels. (Remember, unlike a lot of cable plans, you can easily pause or cancel YouTube TV or any of these alternatives, so long as you have month-to-month subscriptions.) If you’re looking for a workaround to watch ESPN, the Disney Channel, ABC and more, here’s are the best options so you won’t miss a moment of sports, news, or entertainment, all pulled from our list of best live TV streaming services to cut cable.

    Grab an ESPN bundle so you won’t miss the NFL, NBA or any other games

    For $29.99, the ESPN unlimited package includes access to all of ESPN’s linear networks: ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, SECN, ACCN, ESPNews and ESPN Deportes, plus access to programming on ABC, ESPN+ content, ESPN3, SECN+ and ACCNX. That means fans will get coverage of more than 47,000 live events each year, on-demand replays, original programming and more so you won’t miss a single Monday Night Football game or any weekend college football game on ABC or ESPN’s suite of channels. Plus, you can watch your favorite ABC shows the day after they air.

    Right now, for a limited time, you can bundle ESPN unlimited with Disney+ and Hulu and pay $29.99/month for 12 months — that’s like getting those other services free for a year. Even if you’re a current subscriber to Disney+, Hulu or even the bundle, you can still upgrade to this great deal. 

    $29.99/month at ESPN

    Get Hulu + Live TV at a great price

    Image for the small product module

    Hulu’s live TV tier includes access to live TV channels like ESPN, ABC, NBC, Fox, and access to Disney+ and ESPN select. For a limited time, you can get a hefty discount on the service for 3 months. New and eligible returning subscribers (those who have not been Hulu subscribers in the past month) can sign up for Hulu + Live TV (with ads) for $64.99/month for their first three months. This is an especially great value considering that Hulu and Disney+ increased their prices on Oct. 21. 

    You’ll also enjoy access to unlimited DVR storage, the ability to stream on multiple devices and more. This special rate ends at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT on Nov. 5.

    After the three-month trial period, your subscription will continue at the regular market rate of $89.99, but if you’re looking for an alternative to YouTube TV, now’s the perfect time to take advantage of this deal. (If the YouTube situation is resolved before the weekend is up, you can also just sign up for a 3-day trial of Hulu + Live TV).

    $64.99/month at Hulu

    Try Fubo free for a week and get $30 your first month

    Image for the small product module

    If you’re looking for a stopgap so you won’t miss any major games or shows this weekend, Fubo is offering a free 7-day trial so you can check out everything the platform has to offer, risk-free, and on top of that, you can get $30 off your first month.

    Fubo TV gives you access to ESPN, Fox, ABC, CBS, NFL Network, and 100+ more live channels. At $80/month, the live TV streaming service is definitely a big investment but it’s one of the most comprehensive ways to watch live TV including the new NCAA season, the NFL, MLB and more, and still leaves you with major savings compared to a traditional cable package. Fubo subscribers also get 1,000 hours of cloud DVR storage.

    Try it free, then get $30 off at Fubo

    Try DirecTV free for 5 days, and get $30 off your first month

    Image for the small product module

    DirecTV offers loads of great live channels, which means you can watch thousands of live sporting events, live TV and more with a regular subscription. And right now, for a limited time, you can get a $20 bill credit off your first month when you sign up, plus at least $10 more off per month for your first 24 months with a DirecTV Choice, Ultimate or Premier package — that’s over $250 in savings. You can find information on every package here. 

    Right now you can also get a free 5-day trial to test out the platform. 

    $30 off your first month at DirecTV

    What about Sling “day passes”?

    You may have heard that Sling offers day, weekend and week passes to its streaming programming for as little as $5 per day. That is an option if you’re looking for just some of the ESPN channels (the Sling Orange tier), but ABC isn’t included. (If you’re just looking to catch one of this week’s big games, like Monday Night Football on ESPN, it’s a great short-term solution.) If you want a longer-term solution, you can get both ESPN and ABC with Sling’s Orange and Blue package ($30 a month to start, $61 thereafter), but you’ll need to add on the Sports Extra package for ESPNU, which requires an additional charge.

    Get your local Disney/ABC programming for free

    Need your local ABC programming? Your station may have its own free local streaming news channel (many do), you can see if The Roku Channel carries your local station’s news, or download your local news station app if it’s a Nexstar channel.

    The other alternative — if you’re within the broadcast radius of a local ABC affiliate — is to get an over-the-air antenna. You can plug in your ZIP code at antennaweb.org to see what channels are in your area. This off-brand unit has worked very well in our initial testing — it’s under $30, and the channels are truly free.

    What games are on ESPN/ABC this week?

    If you’re wondering what games you might miss as a result of the YouTubeTV/Disney blackout, here’s a list of some upcoming sports you may not want to miss:

    Monday, Nov. 3

    Monday Night Football: Arizona Cardinals vs. Dallas Cowboys, 8:15 p.m. ET (ESPN/ABC)

    Wednesday, Nov. 5

    NBA: Minnesota Timberwolves vs. New York Knicks, 7:30 p.m. ET (ESPN)

    NBA: San Antonio Spurs vs. Los Angeles Lakers, 10 p.m. ET (ESPN)

    Update Nov. 3 2025, 6:36PM ET: This story has been updated to include YouTube TV’s latest response to Disney’s request to restore its channels for just 24 hours.

    Liz Kocan

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  • Disney-owned channels, including 6ABC, go dark on YouTube TV as negotiations on new deal continue

    YouTube TV‘s approximately 10 million subscribers no longer have access to Disney-owned stations, including ABC and ESPN, after their carrier deal expired at midnight Thursday and the two sides failed to reach a new agreement.  

    In Philadelphia, that means 6ABC and fan-favorite shows like “Abbott Elementary” won’t be available for the Google-owned platform. If the blackout continues, it would also mean the Philadelphia Eagles game against the Green Bay Packers on Monday, Nov. 10, won’t be available on the streamer.

    MORE: Disparaging email sent to Penn students, alumni is fake, university says

    In a statement, YouTube TV said Disney began using the threat of a blackout as a negotiating tactic last week. 

    “We know this is a frustrating and disappointing outcome for our subscribers and we continue to urge Disney to work with us constructively to reach a fair agreement that restores their networks to YouTube TV,” the company wrote. 

    Meanwhile, Disney blamed YouTube TV. 

    “With a $3 trillion market cap, Google is using its market dominance to eliminate competition and undercut the industry-standard terms we’ve successfully negotiated with every other distributor,” the company said in a statement. “We know how frustrating this is for YouTube TV subscribers and remain committed to working toward a resolution as quickly as possible.” 

    YouTube TV said it will offer subscribers a $20 credit if the stations remain off its service for an “extended period,” although it did not specify how long that would be. 

    YouTube TV has had a number of issues with other networks this year. There were threats of blackouts during negotiations with Paramount, which owns CBS, in February and with Fox Corporation in August. YouTube TV also got into a conflict with Comcast-owned NBCUniversal, although the pair reached a multiyear agreement on Oct. 2. While those negotiations avoided blackouts, partially due to temporary contract extensions, Univision has been in a continued blackout with YouTube TV since September. 

    Michaela Althouse

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  • Are you a YouTube TV subscriber looking for ESPN and ABC? Here are your options

    If you’re a YouTube TV subscriber, you may have noticed that ABC, ESPN and other Disney-owned channels have gone dark on the platform today. The Walt Disney Co. has pulled its channels from YouTube TV as of midnight on Oct. 30 after the two companies failed to reach new terms on their latest carriage agreement.

    That means that until that negotiation is resolved, you won’t be able to watch any programming from those stations. That includes all upcoming college football and NFL games broadcast on ESPN’s suite of channels —including Monday Night Football — as well as all ABC programming like Abbott Elementary, Grey’s Anatomy and Dancing with the Stars.

    YouTube TV has stated that if Disney’s channels remain off the platform for an extended period, customers will receive a $20 monthly credit. That’s all fine and good, but if you’re looking to watch one of those upcoming games, you’re likely looking for a solution as soon as Friday night. The good news is that there are plenty of ways to get those channels back. If you want a permanent switch from YouTube TV, there’s Hulu + Live TV, DirecTV, or Fubo, where you can watch all of those channels. If you’re looking for a workaround for this weekend (or for the long term) to watch ESPN, the Disney Channel, ABC and more, here’s are the best options so you won’t miss a moment of sports, news, or entertainment, all pulled from our list of best live TV streaming services to cut cable.

    Grab an ESPN bundle so you won’t miss a single game this weekend

    For $29.99, the ESPN unlimited package includes access to all of ESPN’s linear networks: ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, SECN, ACCN, ESPNews and ESPN Deportes, plus access to programming on ABC, ESPN+ content, ESPN3, SECN+ and ACCNX. That means fans will get coverage of more than 47,000 live events each year, on-demand replays, original programming and more so you won’t miss a single NFL or college football game this weekend on ABC or ESPN’s suite of channels, and you can watch your favorite shows the day after they air.

    Right now, for a limited time, you can bundle ESPN unlimited with Disney+ and Hulu and pay $29.99/month for 12 months — that’s like getting those other services free for a year. Even if you’re a current subscriber to Disney+, Hulu or even the bundle, you can still upgrade to this great deal. 

    $29.99/month at ESPN

    Get Hulu + Live TV at a great price

    Image for the small product module

    Hulu’s live TV tier includes access to live TV channels like ESPN, ABC, NBC, Fox, and access to Disney+ and ESPN select. For a limited time, you can get a hefty discount on the service for 3 months. New and eligible returning subscribers (those who have not been Hulu subscribers in the past month) can sign up for Hulu + Live TV (with ads) for $64.99/month for their first three months. This is an especially great value considering that Hulu and Disney+ increased their prices on Oct. 21. 

    You’ll also enjoy access to unlimited DVR storage, the ability to stream on multiple devices and more. This special rate ends at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT on Nov. 5.

    After the three-month trial period, your subscription will continue at the regular market rate of $89.99, but if you’re looking for an alternative to YouTube TV, now’s the perfect time to take advantage of this deal. (If the YouTube situation is resolved before the weekend is up, you can also just sign up for a 3-day trial of Hulu + Live TV).

    $64.99/month at Hulu

    Try Fubo free for a week and get $30 your first month

    Image for the small product module

    If you’re looking for a stopgap so you won’t miss any major games or shows this weekend, Fubo is offering a free 7-day trial so you can check out everything the platform has to offer, risk-free, and on top of that, you can get $30 off your first month.

    Fubo TV gives you access to ESPN, Fox, ABC, CBS, NFL Network, and 100+ more live channels. At $80/month, the live TV streaming service is definitely a big investment but it’s one of the most comprehensive ways to watch live TV including the new NCAA season, the NFL, MLB and more, and still leaves you with major savings compared to a traditional cable package. Fubo subscribers also get 1,000 hours of cloud DVR storage.

    Try it free, then get $30 off at Fubo

    Try DirecTV free for 5 days, and get $30 off your first month

    Image for the small product module

    DirecTV offers loads of great live channels, which means you can watch thousands of live sporting events, live TV and more with a regular subscription. And right now, for a limited time, you can get a $20 bill credit off your first month when you sign up, plus at least $10 more off per month for your first 24 months with a DirecTV Choice, Ultimate or Premier package — that’s over $250 in savings. You can find information on every package here. 

    Right now you can also get a free 5-day trial to test out the platform. 

    $30 off your first month at DirecTV

    What about Sling “day passes”?

    You may have heard that Sling offers day, weekend and week passes to its streaming programming for as little as $5 per day. That is an option if you’re looking for just some of the ESPN channels (the Sling Orange tier), but ABC isn’t included. You can get both with Sling’s Orange and Blue package ($30 a month to start, $61 thereafter), but you’ll need to add on the Sports Extra package for ESPNU, which requires an additional charge.

    Get your local Disney/ABC programming for free

    Need your local ABC programming? Your station may have its own free local streaming news channel (many do), you can see if The Roku Channel carries your local station’s news, or download your local news station app if it’s a Nexstar channel.

    The other alternative — if you’re within the broadcast radius of a local ABC affiliate — is to get an over-the-air antenna. You can plug in your ZIP code at antennaweb.org to see what channels are in your area. This off-brand unit has worked very well in our initial testing — it’s under $30, and the channels are truly free.

    What games are on ESPN/ABC this weekend?

    If you’re wondering what games you might miss as a result of the YouTubeTV/Disney blackout, here’s a list of NCAAF games that will be broadcast this weekend on ABC or on one of ESPN’s many channels, and don’t forget about Monday Night Football on ESPN/ABC, too.

    Friday, Oct. 31

    7PM ET | No. 25 Memphis at Rice | ESPN2
    7PM ET | Brown at Penn | ESPNU
    7:30PM ET | North Carolina at Syracuse | ESPN
    10:30PM ET | Idaho at Northern Arizona | ESPN2

    Saturday, Nov. 1

    12PM ET | No. 9 Vanderbilt at No. 20 Texas | ABC
    12PM ET | No. 10 Miami (Fla.) at SMU | ESPN
    12PM ET | Duke at Clemson | ACC Network
    12PM ET | UCF at Baylor | ESPNU
    12PM ET | Navy at North Texas | ESPN2
    3:30PM ET | No. 5 Georgia vs. Florida (in Jacksonville, Fla.) | ABC
    3:30PM ET | No. 12 Notre Dame at Boston College | ESPN
    3:30PM ET | Pitt at Stanford | ACC Network
    3:45PM ET | No. 15 Virginia at Cal | ESPN2
    4PM ET | Mississippi State at Arkansas | SEC Network
    4PM ET | Central Michigan at Western Michigan | ESPNU
    7PM ET | South Carolina at No. 7 Ole Miss | ESPN
    7:30PM ET | No. 8 Georgia Tech at NC State | ESPN2
    7:30PM ET | No. 18 Oklahoma at No. 14 Tennessee | ABC
    7:30PM ET | Kentucky at Auburn | SEC Network
    7:30PM ET | Wake Forest at Florida State | ACC Network
    8PM ET | Arkansas State at Troy | ESPNU

    Liz Kocan

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  • YouTube TV loses ESPN, ABC and other Disney channels

    Disney’s channels have gone dark on YouTube TV after the companies failed to reach an agreement by their October 30 deadline. The affected channels include ESPN, local ABC stations, ABC News, FX, NatGeo, Disney Channel and Freeform. “Last week Disney used the threat of a blackout on YouTube TV as a negotiating tactic to force deal terms that would raise prices on our customers,” YouTube said in an announcement on its blog. “They’re now following through on that threat, suspending their content on YouTube TV.” YouTube added that Disney’s decision harms its subscribers while benefiting its own live TV products, such as Hulu+Live TV and Fubo.

    In a statement sent to the Los Angeles Times, however, Disney accused Google’s YouTube TV of choosing to deny “subscribers the content they value most by refusing to pay fair rates for [its] channels, including ESPN and ABC.” Disney also accused Google of using its market dominance to “eliminate competition and undercut the industry-standard terms” that other pay-TV distributors have agreed to pay for its content. YouTube TV lost access to Disney channels back in 2021, but they were immediately able to strike a deal that restored the channels the very next day. The companies are most likely still trying to negotiate at the moment, but Google says it will offer subscribers a $20 credit if Disney channels remain offline for an extended period of time.

    Google has had to make several similar announcements over the past year. In February, YouTube TV almost lost Paramount content, including CBS, CBS Sports and Nickelodeon, before reaching a last-minute deal. The same thing happened in August with Fox. More recently, Google and NBCUniversal also came to an agreement at the eleventh hour, though YouTube TV lost access to Univision, the largest Spanish-language broadcaster in the US.

    Mariella Moon

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