Football fans might not want to admit it, but they’re on the brink of disappointment. A week into the spat between Disney and YouTube TV, ESPN and ABC Networks have had to pull their channels from a streaming service that boasts around 10 million subscribers.
This means YouTube TV users could miss out on the much-anticipated “Monday Night Football” game in Week 10 featuring the Eagles versus the Packers. Last week’s Cardinals-Cowboys game is already unavailable on the platform, leaving many wondering what’s next.
Reports suggest that negotiations between the two companies are ongoing, but there are still some significant gaps that haven’t been bridged yet. It’s frustrating, really, to see so many users unhappy. A lot of people seem to be searching for ways to catch this weekend’s NFC showdown elsewhere.
Interestingly, Disney has grappled with similar issues in the past. They’ve had power struggles with major providers, including a notable 11-day dispute with Charter last year.
Exploring Alternatives to Watch ESPN and ABC without YouTube TV
For those looking to watch without committing fully, there are live TV streaming options out there. For instance, DirecTV is offering a 5-day free trial with plans starting from $49.99 monthly, which may cover all the relevant channels, including NFL and other sports networks.
If you’re just seeking a quick way to enjoy some nighttime sports on ESPN, Sling TV offers remarkable flexibility. You can buy a day pass for Sling Orange at just $4.99, giving you full access for 24 hours.
As of now, it’s been 11 days since the disagreements surfaced. Reports indicate that about 24% of users are either canceling or considering canceling their YouTube TV subscriptions.
Disney accuses YouTube, owned by Alphabet, of not wanting to pay what they consider a fair price for their channel. YouTube, on the other hand, is warning that these price hikes could lead to higher subscription fees for viewers.
Originally launched in 2017 for $35 a month, YouTube TV’s price has skyrocketed to over $80 a month now. The upcoming “Monday Night Football” clash, viewed as a potential preview for the NFC Championship Game, could serve as a significant point of leverage for Disney. But will subscribers actually get to see it? That’s still up in the air.
