The standoff between Google and Disney is coming down to the wire, and it could leave YouTube TV subscribers without ESPN or ABC just as the football season hits its stride.
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If the two sides don't strike a new deal by midnight Thursday, Disney's entire lineup of channels could disappear from YouTube TV, as relayed by Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk.
That includes not just ESPN and ABC, but also ESPN2, SEC Network, FX, and other popular options.
Google has already pulled off last-minute saves with Fox in August and Comcast in September, but this one feels a little tighter — and a lot higher stakes. Losing ESPN and ABC during football season would be a nightmare for fans.
It would also mean no Monday Night Football for YouTube TV users. For Week 9, that's Cardinals-Cowboys. Week 10 brings Eagles-Packers at Lambeau. Both could be off the table if the blackout happens.
Predictably, each side is blaming the other for being greedy. Disney says Google doesn't want to pay fair market value. Google says Disney wants to raise prices for everyone. Neither seems to care that the real losers are the subscribers who just want to watch their teams play.
Bottom line: if the two giants can't figure it out soon, millions of viewers will have to scramble for alternatives, and "cutting the cord" won't feel like such a great idea anymore.
