Disney yanked ESPN, ABC, and its networks from YouTube TV when their deal expired Oct. 30, and the blackout has continued up to this point.
With YouTube TV surpassing 10 million subscribers, Google holds significant leverage as analysts say Disney is losing more than $30 million weekly during the blackout.
YouTube TV issued a one-time $20 credit to impacted subscribers, though backlash has persisted.
Now, Disney CEO Bob Iger is making his thoughts clear, addressing the carriage dispute directly on Thursday, saying that he believes Disney has put forward a market-priced deal to YouTube TV, and is bracing for negotiations to continue.
“The deal that we have proposed is equal to or better than what other large distributors have already agreed to. We’re not trying to really break any new ground,” Iger said.
“While we’ve been working tirelessly to close this deal and restore our channels to the platform, 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.”
Iger’s blunt remarks came as Disney reported fiscal Q4 results and as millions of YouTube TV subscribers remain without ESPN, ABC, and other Disney channels for a third straight week.
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Recent reports highlight progress on ESPN’s side of the deal, though ABC’s pricing and contract conditions remain unresolved.
The shift is significant, as Disney has leaned on ABC for major sports broadcasts, altering how distributors approach rights once tied solely to ESPN.
Negotiations reportedly hinge on YouTube TV seeking long-term safeguards tied to growth, while Disney underscores ESPN’s direct-to-consumer product as a counterpoint, citing subscriber gains and advertising value.
Unfortunately, what this means for NFL and college football fans is that talks are likely set to drag on, with Disney holding firm on price and YouTube TV positioned to resist.
While a settlement is plausible — and likely necessary — before next season’s key rights renewals, neither side has shown a decisive willingness to blink.