The high-stakes contract dispute between YouTube TV and Disney has left millions of subscribers without access to ESPN and ABC, throwing a massive wrench into Week 11 of the college football season.
With crucial matchups set to air on the blacked-out Disney-owned channels, the ongoing stalemate over carriage fees means roughly 10 million YouTube TV customers will be forced to scramble for alternative viewing options -- or potentially miss key games altogether. This dramatic fallout affects not just national broadcasts on ESPN and ABC, but also conference-specific games on the SEC Network and ACC Network, highlighting the growing tension between major media companies and streaming providers, with the passionate college football fan base caught squarely in the middle.
The blackout became official in Week 10, when ESPN’s “College GameDay” and marquee games on the channels were not available to YouTube TV subscribers. With more huge games on the slate this weekend, many viewers are left scrambling.
Here are the latest updates as the two parties continue to negotiate.
MORE:Live updates on dispute between YouTube TV and ESPN
YouTube TV vs. ESPN dispute updates
Thursday, Nov. 6
Both parties continue to work for a resolution, but no agreement is in place. With a major slate ahead, ESPN has notified viewers on how to "not miss" the action.
YouTube TV customers: The days ahead will bring more can’t miss action
Go to https://t.co/G7O04cG6gA to get ESPN back! pic.twitter.com/9COPJdgdMo
— ESPN PR (@ESPNPR) November 5, 2025
ESPN and ABC have major football games on the platforms, starting with No. 7 BYU vs. No. 8 Texas Tech on ABC. Later in the day, the platform will air undefeated Texas A&M vs. No. 22 Missouri, followed by one of the biggest rivalries in college football, LSU vs. No. 4 Alabama.
Still, that might not be enough to curb negotiations. Per The Athletic's sports business editor, Dan Shanoff, it might be ESPN's "Monday Night Football," which has the Green Bay Packers facing the Philadelphia Eagles. Shanoff had the following to say:
"But advance a day or two further [after college football], and you run into another episode of “Monday Night Football,” and it’s a way better game than last week’s Cowboys-Cardinals dud. Eagles at Packers is arguably the best Monday night matchup of the season so far. It’s the Packers’ only MNF appearance and Philly’s first (of only two total).
"So I guess that’s all to say: Can the Eagles and the Packers be the force that gets the sides to come to a deal and get 10 million YouTube TV subscribers in front of that game?"
MORE:SEC on ABC viewership reportedly down big amid YouTube dispute
When will YouTube TV get ESPN back?
There is still no set time for when YouTube TV will get ESPN back on its platform. The Athletic's Andrew Marchand said that the two parties already went through a blackout during college football and "Monday Night Football," so "it’s not inconceivable that they could blow through another."
For the millions wondering when an agreement will come, he said the following:
"Someone will back down. It is more “when” than “if.” They both should be motivated to do a deal. They need each other. ESPN has the best portfolio of sports rights in the game. If YouTube TV’s success relies, in part, on live sports, it needs to have ESPN and ABC."
MORE:Where is ‘College GameDay’ this week?
Is ESPN on YouTube TV?
Due to the ongoing contract dispute, ESPN and all other Disney-owned channels are not currently available on YouTube TV.
Disney-owned networks, including ESPN, ABC, ESPN2, SEC Network, ACC Network, FX, and others, were pulled from the YouTube TV platform on Thursday, October 30, 2025, after the existing carriage agreement expired without a new deal in place.
Subscribers have lost access to all Disney-owned channels, including live broadcasts and any previously recorded content from those networks in their library.
MORE:Initial College Football Playoff rankings
Is ABC on YouTube TV?
Similar to ESPN, ABC is not available on YouTube TV.
The network — which frequently serves as the home for marquee college football matchups on Saturdays — was not available for YouTube TV subscribers in Week 10, and as of right now, it is still not.
College football games on Disney channels this week
There are some high-profile college football games on Disney channels for Week 11, starting with No. 7 BYU vs No. 8 Texas Tech at noon. A few of the other games include:
No. 5 Georgia vs. Mississippi State
No. 3 Texas A&M vs. No. 22 Missouri
Syracuse vs. No. 18 Miami
Wake Forest vs. No. 14 Virginia
California vs. No. 15 Louisville
LSU vs. No. 4 Alabama
Looking ahead, ESPN and ABC carry the two biggest games for Week 12 in Oklahoma vs. Alabama and Texas vs. Georgia.
How to watch ESPN without YouTube TV
With ESPN and YouTube TV still in stalemate, millions are looking for new ways to watch their favorite channels.
Customers looking for alternate ways to watch ESPN can find it through a number of alternate streaming platforms, including Fubo, which offers new subscribers a free trial.
Streaming Option Cable subscription needed? Free? Cost Free Trial
Hulu + Live TV No No $82.99/month Yes
Sling TV* No No $45.99/month Yes
Fubo No No $54.99/month Yes