Canadian subscribers of YouTube TV can breathe a sigh of relief as The Walt Disney Company and the streaming television service have reached a new carriage agreement, effectively ending a multi-day blackout that left customers without access to popular Disney-owned channels.
Blackout Period Comes to an End
The dispute between the two media giants resulted in a service interruption that lasted for several days, affecting viewers across Canada who rely on YouTube TV for their entertainment needs. The blackout began earlier this week when previous licensing terms expired without a new agreement in place.
During the interruption period, subscribers lost access to key Disney-owned networks including ESPN, ABC, Disney Channel, and various FX networks. The timing proved particularly frustrating for sports fans who found themselves unable to watch scheduled games and events.
Agreement Reached After Intensive Negotiations
Both companies confirmed that they had successfully negotiated new terms late Friday, November 14, 2025. While specific financial details of the agreement remain confidential, the deal ensures that YouTube TV will continue to carry Disney's portfolio of channels.
The resolution comes after days of intense negotiations between Disney's distribution team and YouTube TV executives. Representatives from both companies expressed satisfaction with the outcome, emphasizing their commitment to providing quality entertainment to Canadian audiences.
A spokesperson for YouTube TV stated: "We're pleased to announce that we've reached a new agreement with Disney and have already begun restoring their networks to our channel lineup. We appreciate our members' patience during this period."
Impact on Canadian Streaming Market
The temporary blackout highlighted the ongoing challenges in the evolving television landscape, where streaming services increasingly compete with traditional cable providers for content rights. For Canadian consumers, the disruption served as a reminder of the fragility of digital content distribution.
The rapid resolution demonstrates both companies' recognition of the competitive Canadian streaming market, where services must maintain robust channel lineups to retain subscribers. Industry analysts note that carriage disputes have become increasingly common as content providers seek higher fees for their programming.
With service now restored, affected subscribers can resume watching their favorite Disney-owned content without interruption. The companies have advised that it may take a few hours for all channels to become fully available across all devices and regions in Canada.
