How to Survive the YouTube TV–Disney Standoff
It’s officially been an “extended period of time.” YouTube TV and Disney’s carriage dispute has now lasted long enough for the former streamer to issue subscribers a nominal $20 credit for the inconvenience. Ten days after Disney pulled its channels, including ABC and ESPN, from YouTube TV, there’s been no sign to suggest when either company will budge — aside from Disney’s ask to put ABC back on the service for Election Day. Disney claims it saw the proposal as a “small step” to working toward a fair deal, while YouTube countered by saying it wanted both ABC and ESPN back. Clearly, that didn’t work.
Since then, publicly, there’s been silence between the two companies, and customers are left to their own devices to figure out how to watch their Monday Night Football, or one of the more popular seasons of Dancing With the Stars. But as you wait for the ice to thaw, all’s not totally lost (or fair?). We’ve put together some options for you to put that $20 in credits to good use. It is Packers versus Eagles tonight, after all.
The best alternatives to YouTube TV — and the deals they’re offering right now
➽ Sling TV: While this live-television streamer has no skin in the game, Sling saw an opportunity and jumped on it. The company is offering a $5 Day Pass, giving you access to ESPN (and 33 other channels) for a 24-hour period. For five more dollars, you can get a Weekend Pass.
➽ DirecTV: Similar to Sling, DirecTV is offering $10 off of one month of streaming, which will include ABC and ESPN, totaling to $49.99. Alternatively, you can sign up for a free five-day trial.
➽ FuboTV: Disney now owns a majority stake in Fubo, a point YouTube was sure to touch on in its recent statements against the company, so maybe this isn’t the best option if you’re angry at the moment, but it does have ESPN — and a free seven-day trial.
➽ Disney+, Hulu Live TV, and/or ESPN Unlimited: You could go straight to the source if you’re really itching for ABC’s offerings or some football on ESPN. No free options, though.
➽ A good ol’ TV antenna: You buy it one and done! We have a guide to help with all your antenna needs, but you’ll get access to the major networks and the cheapest one listed in our guide starts at $13. Not too bad.
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