Disney's battle with YouTube TV isn't going as expected

"Disney's networks, including the ESPN channels, are unavailable on YouTube TV as part of a blackout that began on October 30. The media giant has said YouTube TV isn't willing to pay the market rate. Meanwhile, the Google-owned live TV service has said that Disney's proposal would force it to raise prices again, while helping Disney-controlled rivals like Fubo and Hulu + Live TV. YouTube TV promised to give its customers a $20 credit if the blackout drags on."

"The dispute comes as live sports rights are increasingly costly. The NBA secured a $76 billion TV deal over 11 years, up from its prior deal of $24 billion over nine years. And sports rights inflation could cause media companies to raise prices, cut spending in other areas, or both. This high-profile carriage fight meant that YouTube TV subscribers couldn't watch ESPN's college football games this past weekend, or its popular pregame show "College GameDay.""

"Disney and ESPN have tried to win over fans by stirring up outrage against YouTube TV. An ESPN spokesman said in a statement that "Google is using its market dominance to eliminate competition." ESPN has even enlisted megastars like Stephen A. Smith, Scott Van Pelt, and Mike Greenberg in the fight. All three personalities posted short clips on social media informing viewers of the dispute and directing them to a Disney-owned website to petition YouTube TV, which didn't immediately return a request for comment."

Disney's networks, including ESPN channels, have been unavailable on YouTube TV since an October 30 blackout. Disney says YouTube TV is unwilling to pay market rates. YouTube TV contends Disney's proposal would force another price increase and advantage Disney-controlled rivals like Fubo and Hulu + Live TV, and offered subscribers a $20 credit if the blackout continues. Live sports rights have ballooned, exemplified by the NBA's $76 billion, 11-year deal. The blackout prevented viewers from watching ESPN college football and College GameDay, with Monday Night Football also at risk. Disney and ESPN enlisted top personalities and urged subscribers to petition YouTube TV, while some fans expressed frustration.

Read at Business Insider