YouTube TV–Disney blackout continues: how to watch ESPN/ABC and alternatives

The carriage dispute between Disney and YouTube TV has entered a second week with no clear resolution. Subscribers have been left without access to more than 20 Disney‑owned channels — including ESPN and ABC — and YouTube TV has begun issuing $20 credits to affected accounts as a partial consolation.

The blackout means viewers are missing major live sports and network programming. Disney is reportedly losing about $4.3 million per day during the dispute, while YouTube TV customers face disrupted weekends of NFL, NBA and college football coverage.

Channels currently affected

• ABC (and local ABC affiliates on YouTube TV)
• ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNews, ESPNU, SEC Network, ESPN Deportes
• Disney Channel, Disney Junior, Disney XD
• FX, FXX, FXM
• National Geographic, Nat Geo Wild, Nat Geo Mundo
• Freeform, ACC Network, Localish, Baby TV Español and others

How to keep watching — short‑term options

• Sling TV day passes: Sling offers day/weekend passes (from about $5/day) that include ESPN via the Orange tier — a low‑cost way to catch specific games.
• Hulu + Live TV, Fubo, DirecTV: These services carry Disney/ABC channels and can be used as month‑to‑month alternatives if you need broader coverage.
• Over‑the‑air antenna: Local ABC affiliates can often be received free with a simple antenna if you’re inside the broadcast area.
• Network apps & websites: Some live events may be available via ESPN web streams or ABC station apps — availability varies by game and rights.

Practical tips

• Check the schedule for the specific games you care about before switching services — a day pass or short subscription may be cheaper than a monthly plan.
• Compare trial offers and short‑term promos (many services run free trials or first‑month discounts).
• If you rely on local news and ABC programming, test an over‑the‑air antenna first — it’s often the cheapest long‑term solution.
• Keep an eye on official updates from YouTube TV and Disney; negotiating positions can change quickly and channels may be restored temporarily or permanently.

The dispute highlights how fragile streaming access can be when carriage deals falter. While $20 credits help, many subscribers may consider switching services or keeping a short‑term backup plan during negotiations.

Discussion: Have you switched or paid for a day pass to watch games during this blackout? What solution worked best for you — temporary services, an antenna, or waiting it out?