YouTube TV Just Released Info On How To Redeem The $20 Credit For The ESPN Standoff

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YouTube TV subscribers haven’t been able to watch channels like ABC, ESPN, FX, and National Geographic for almost two weeks due to a disagreement with Disney. While they’re still working on a solution, YouTube TV is offering a $20 credit to affected customers, and it’s easy to claim.

How To Redeem The $20 Credit

YouTube TV sent an email to subscribers on November 11th explaining how to get $20 off their next bill. The email said YouTube TV has been trying to reach a fair agreement with Disney to bring Disney’s channels back to the service. The $20 credit is a way to apologize for the interruption in service, and the email included details on how to redeem it.

To use your credit, visit the ‘Updates’ section within your Membership Settings on a web browser and follow the on-screen instructions. The discount will then be automatically applied to your next YouTube TV bill.

As mentioned in the email, YouTube TV wants to remain your preferred streaming service. Family members can cancel or pause their subscriptions if YouTube TV can’t reach an agreement with Disney. Talks with Disney are still ongoing, and we’re now waiting to see if channels like ESPN and ABC will return with live and on-demand viewing options.

The Issue Between YouTube TV And Disney

The issue started in late October, with some unsettling news unrelated to Halloween. YouTube TV announced they hadn’t been able to reach an agreement to renew their contract with Disney before the deadline. They shared the news on their X (formerly Twitter) account, stating:

Our agreement with Disney has ended, and we couldn’t reach a new one that’s fair to our members while also helping Disney’s TV channels. Because of this, Disney content—including channels like ABC and ESPN—is no longer available on YouTube TV, and you won’t be able to access previously recorded shows from those channels. We understand this is frustrating, and we’re still trying to work things out with Disney. If a resolution takes a long time, we’ll give our members a $20 credit.

YouTube TV followed through on its promise to give a $20 credit to subscribers after failing to reach an agreement with Disney for a prolonged time. However, this isn’t the resolution many were hoping for as we move further into November. The channels impacted by this issue include (but aren’t limited to):

  • ABC
  • ESPN/ESPN2/ESPNU
  • Freeform
  • FX/FXX
  • Disney Junior
  • SEC Network
  • Nat Geo/Nat Geo Wild
  • Disney Channel
  • FXM
  • ABC News Live
  • Disney XD

The loss of ESPN was particularly upsetting for sports fans, even though many channels were affected. Disney created a new streaming service, ESPN Unlimited, but it doesn’t come with the same easy access as being included in a package like YouTube TV. At first, people who already got ESPN through services like YouTube TV were supposed to be able to use the app with their current subscription. However, that plan changed, and now services like YouTube TV have to renegotiate prices if they want to continue offering ESPN.

Right now, viewers are the ones suffering from recent changes. YouTube TV offered a discount after a weekend without live sports, and Hulu + Live TV introduced a big promotion for new subscribers, bundling in Disney+ and access to ESPN+. Interestingly, other streaming services like Sling, Fubo, and DirecTV are also seeing increased interest, alongside Hulu and ESPN themselves.

YouTube TV customers have been without ESPN, ABC, and other channels for some time, and a recent email offering a $20 credit didn’t give any clear updates on when they’ll return. Those who want to continue using YouTube TV are still stuck waiting. If the situation isn’t resolved soon, a standalone ESPN+ subscription costs $29.99 a month.

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2025-11-12 08:09