Disney has agreed to a $50 million settlement related to a class-action lawsuit that claims the company breached antitrust and consumer protection laws by increasing streaming subscription prices.
This settlement stems from a 2022 federal lawsuit filed by subscribers of YouTube TV and DirecTV Stream. They accused Disney of engaging in unfair practices, particularly by raising prices on these streaming services’ live TV options due to its ownership of key content channels like ESPN and Hulu.
The lawsuit, known as Biddle v. Disney, contends that Disney restricted the ability of competitors to provide cheaper streaming options. This limitation was said to arise from Disney’s stipulation to include ESPN in the basic channel lineup of its streaming platform, which allegedly resulted in inflated prices for consumers across various services.
While Disney denies any wrongdoing, no legal determination has confirmed the company broke the law. They chose to settle without admitting any fault.
Who is eligible for the Disney Settlement?
Those who held a paid subscription to YouTube TV or DirecTV Stream between April 1, 2019 and March 31, 2026 can claim a share of the settlement.
DirecTV services eligible for claims also include DirecTV Stream, DirecTV Now, and AT&T TV Now within the specified period.
Other lawsuits regarding FuboTV and its effects on Disney’s subscription fees have been pursued over several years. However, those plaintiffs are currently not eligible for this settlement since they haven’t reached an agreement with Disney yet.
How much is the settlement amount?
The final settlement amount for each individual will depend on how long they held their subscriptions during the qualification period and the total number of claims submitted, minus attorney fees.
A final hearing to ratify the settlement is scheduled for January 14, 2027, and eligible claimants should expect payments shortly after that.
How to file a claim
Eligible subscribers can fill out a claim form to obtain a proportional cash payment based on how long they subscribed to YouTube TV or DirecTV Stream.
To file a claim, members will need the unique ID they receive through mail or email. If they do not receive this notification or happen to misplace it, they can reach out to the payment administrator for help.
No need to provide subscription receipts or documentation with the claim, but claimants will need to affirm the start and end dates of their subscriptions under penalty of perjury.
Claims can be submitted either online or by mail, with a deadline set for September 8, 2026. Those wishing to file or gather more details about Biddle v. Disney may refer to the complaint website.
