YouTube TV subscribers are in for a rude awakening when they try to watch ESPN and its family of networks during Halloween weekend. ESPN announced that YouTube TV has dropped networks like ABC, ESPN, ESPN2 and all the ESPN channels from the streaming platform amid a dispute.
How can YouTube TV subscribers still watch ESPN during the cancellation? Let’s dive into all your best options to keep watching ESPN with the upcoming NFL and college football schedule this weekend.
Fans could sign up for a trial to a new streaming platform like Fubo that carries ESPN. The easiest option (albeit not the cheapest) is to simply sign up for an ESPN subscription directly.
ESPN has replaced the previous ESPN+ subscription option with its new app. Viewers have the option to sign up for the ESPN subscription, which includes all the live networks plus online-only content, for $29.99 per month.
Fans can also sign up for the $29.99 per month bundle for the first year which includes ESPN, Hulu and Disney+. There does not appear to be a free trial option for the ESPN subscription.
Here’s what you need to know about watching ESPN on YouTube TV.
YouTube TV Subscribers Can Watch ESPN With a Free Trial of Fubo
If you are looking for a free option while YouTube TV is resolving the dispute with ESPN, one option is Fubo (formerly known as Fubo TV). Fubo is currently offering a free trial to eligible viewers and still carries all the ESPN networks.
Fans may want to cancel their Fubo subscription before the trial ends. Otherwise, you will be paying for both Fubo and YouTube TV subscriptions. Fubo’s subscription plans start at $84.99.
Fans could also opt to cancel YouTube TV and sign up for another streaming service like Fubo or more traditional options such as a cable or satellite provider. This is a more drastic measure given the two parties could reach an agreement at any time.
How Long Will YouTube TV Not Show ESPN & ABC?
Neither YouTube TV or ESPN has announced a timeline for when the networks will return to the streaming platform. Given we are in the midst of football season, it would be a surprise if there was not some resolution sooner rather than later given the outrage of fans.
YouTube TV announced the news to subscribers via an October 31, email. Subscribers will be offered a $20 credit if ESPN is “unavailable for an extended period of time” on YouTube TV.
“Our current agreement with Disney has approached its renewal date, and we will not agree to terms that disadvantage our members while benefiting Disney’s own live TV products,” the YouTube TV statement detailed. “Despite our best efforts, we have not been able to reach a fair deal, and starting today, October 30, 2025, Disney programming will not be available on YouTube TV. This means you will no longer be able to watch channels like ABC and ESPN or access recordings from these networks in your Library.
”We know how disruptive it is to lose channels you enjoy, which is why it’s our goal to bring Disney content back to YouTube TV. We’re committed to continuing to work with Disney to reach an agreement, but if their content is unavailable for an extended period of time, we’ll offer our subscribers a $20 credit.”
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