YouTube TV–Disney blackout continues: how to watch Monday Night Football and what subscribers can do
The carriage dispute between YouTube TV and The Walt Disney Company remains unresolved, leaving YouTube TV subscribers without access to more than 20 Disney‑owned channels, including ESPN and ABC. YouTube has started issuing $20 credits as goodwill, but major events like Monday Night Football and weekend college football have been affected for multiple weekends.
If you depend on ESPN/ABC for live sports or current shows, there are short‑term and longer‑term alternatives to consider. Below we outline the channels affected, quick ways to watch key games, and longer‑term replacement services to avoid missing live programming.
Channels currently unavailable on YouTube TV
- ABC
- ABC News Live
- ACC Network
- Disney Channel
- Disney Junior
- Disney XD
- ESPN
- ESPNews
- ESPN2
- ESPNU
- Freeform
- FX
- FXM
- FXX
- Localish
- Nat Geo
- Nat Geo Wild
- SEC Network
- ESPN Deportes
- Baby TV Español
- Nat Geo Mundo
Short‑term viewing options
- Sling TV day passes: Sling offers day/week passes (from about $5/day) that include ESPN channels — a cheap way to catch one‑off events like Monday Night Football.
- Over‑the‑air antenna: If you’re in range of a local ABC affiliate, an OTA antenna can give you live access to ABC broadcasts for free. Check AntennaWeb for local availability.
- Network apps and local streams: Some local ABC stations and streaming services may carry games or offer temporary access; check your local station’s app or The Roku Channel for options.
Longer‑term alternatives
If you’re considering switching providers, these services currently carry Disney‑owned channels:
- Hulu + Live TV — includes ABC and ESPN in most markets.
- Fubo — strong sports lineup and ABC/ESPN availability depending on region.
- DirecTV Stream — another full live TV alternative with Disney channels.
What to consider before switching
- Compare month‑to‑month prices and trial offers — many services allow short free trials or discounted first months.
- Check local ABC availability — some services vary by market or require local‑channel add‑ons.
- Think about extras you value (DVR, simultaneous streams, bundled streaming apps) beyond just channel lists.
Official response & credits
YouTube has begun issuing $20 credits to affected subscribers as a partial concession while negotiations continue. That credit may help offset the inconvenience for some users, but it won’t replace ongoing access to live sports if the blackout persists.
Keep an eye on these dates and events
- Key sports this week affected: Monday Night Football (Eagles vs. Packers on ESPN/ABC), plus several NBA games on ESPN during the week.
- Check provider pages for updated carriage announcements — disputes can resolve quickly or drag on depending on negotiations.
If you need a quick fix for a single game, a Sling day pass can be the cheapest route. If you watch Disney‑owned channels regularly, consider testing an alternative service for a month to see if it meets your needs.
Discussion: Are you sticking with YouTube TV and waiting for a deal, or switching providers? Share your strategy for watching this week’s games and whether the $20 credit is enough to keep you loyal.