Disney and YouTube TV still aren't close to a deal, and one of the key players made it clear on Thursday that the stalemate isn't ending anytime soon.
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Disney CFO Hugh Johnston told investors on the company's quarterly call that Disney is prepared to drag this fight out.
"We're ready to go as long as they want to," Johnston said, via Sports Business Journal.
"They" is YouTube TV, which is owned by Google, which is owned by Alphabet. In other words, it's two massive corporations digging in.
Disney CEO Bob Iger tried to defend the company's stance, saying the offer on the table is "equal to or better than what other large distributors have already agreed to."
Iger added that the proposal reflects the value Disney believes ESPN, ABC and its other networks bring to the table.
"We are not trying to break any new ground," Iger said. "We're trying to get a deal reflective of the value we deliver."
Meanwhile, the sports world is stuck in the middle. Millions of YouTube TV subscribers have already missed Monday Night Football, College GameDay and a full slate of college football games — with another blackout looming this weekend.
According to Morgan Stanley estimates, Disney is losing close to $4 million per day, and ESPN's audience for key broadcasts has dipped by roughly 15 percent since the dispute began.
Johnston said Disney is "picking up some revenue by consumers moving to other services," but that's not much comfort for fans who paid for ESPN and still can't watch.
YouTube TV is issuing a one-time $20 credit, but subscribers have to claim it. Until the two sides stop their staring contest, viewers remain the biggest losers in a corporate fight that has dragged right through the heart of football season.
