An NFL insider is calling on Disney and Google to quickly reach a deal after their contract dispute. The disagreement left millions unable to watch college and NFL games this past weekend on YouTube TV.
YouTube TV, which is owned by Google, removed Disney-owned channels ABC, ESPN and others after the two sides were unable to agree on a new contract. The channels were removed Oct. 31 and have not returned. This left millions of YouTube TV customers trying to find other ways to watch games. Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio, speaking on Peacock’s ‘Pro Football Talk Live’ on Wednesday, said he was upset the two sides have not come to an agreement.
“Attention YouTube TV and ESPN/Disney: Get a deal done,” Florio said. “Make it happen. If you care about your customers, and many would say you don’t, go in a room, lock the door and stay there until you emerge with some sort of a compromise. That’s what is needed here, and that’s what’s going to happen eventually. It’s not like the Disney networks are going to be off YouTube TV forever. A deal is going to happen. Make it happen now.”
Florio, who is a YouTube TV customer, added that the two sides should make it a priority to get something done so YouTube TV customers do not miss any more games, especially the Monday Night Football game between the Eagles and Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field.
He also wondered if the ratings from last week’s game between the Dallas Cowboys and Arizona Cardinals would spur the two sides to finalize a deal.
“It’ll be interesting to see if that moves the needle,” Florio said. “It will be interesting to see if the NFL gets involved. Regardless, if you truly care about the people who allow you to exist, get the deal done. It doesn’t make any sense. It does from the standpoint of playing this game of corporate tug-of-war with millions, if not billions, on the line. But you’re going to get a deal done someday. Get it done today.”
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