Disney and YouTube TV Dispute Could Continue

The numbers

196 million—Disney+ and Hulu subscriptions, which is an increase of 12.4 million vs. Q3 fiscal 2025.

25%—Q4 ratings increased across ESPN networks, including ESPN on ABC.

10%—Monday Night Football up year-over-year, averaging 15.6 million viewers.

-$4.3 million—Estimated loss in revenue per day from Disney’s dispute with YouTube TV, according to Morgan Stanley.

The watercooler talk

One of the most significant things from Disney’s earnings call on Thursday is that it didn’t announce the end of its carriage dispute with YouTube TV. Disney’s networks were removed from YouTube TV on Oct. 30 due to the contract dispute. With YouTube TV having around 10 million subscribers, the move is costing Disney both viewership on Monday Night Football and revenue, with estimates saying the Mouse House is losing more than $4 million per day.

During the earnings call, chief financial officer Hugh Johnston said Disney has “built a hedge” into its forecasts in case the dispute continues. Meanwhile, Disney CEO Bob Iger noted that Disney’s offer to YouTube TV is “equal to or better” than what other large publishers are offering.

The key quote

“While we’ve been working tirelessly to close this deal and restore our channel to the platform, it’s also imperative that we make sure that we agree with a deal that reflects the value that we deliver,” — Bob Iger, Disney CEO