Lead: YouTube TV subscribers will not be able to watch Disney-owned channels, including ABC and ESPN, after the two sides failed to reach a distribution agreement ahead of Monday Night Football. The dispute affects local ABC affiliates such as WFAA in Dallas, which is carrying the Dallas Cowboys vs. Arizona Cardinals game. WFAA says it is not a party to the carriage negotiations. Fans who rely on YouTube TV must use alternative services, an over-the-air antenna, or public viewing locations to see the game live.
Key takeaways
- YouTube TV no longer carries Disney channels such as ABC and ESPN after distribution talks collapsed, removing those feeds from subscribers’ lineups.
- The outage affects ABC affiliates including WFAA in Dallas—the Cowboys vs. Cardinals Monday Night Football broadcast is carried on ABC/ESPN.
- WFAA is not involved in the carriage negotiations and continues to transmit over-the-air in the Dallas market.
- Streaming alternatives that carry ABC include Fubo (advertised free trial) and Sling (offers $5 day passes), among other services.
- Over-the-air reception via an HD antenna remains a free option for local ABC broadcasts; sellers include Amazon and Best Buy.
- Simple antenna setup: select TV input/menu, open channel/scan settings, then run auto-scan to populate local channels.
- For viewers outside the local market, carriage and local blackout rules may still restrict live ABC access even with alternative streaming services.
Background
Carriage disputes between distributors and content owners recur when contracts for retransmission fees and terms expire. Disney, which owns ABC and ESPN, negotiates separately with virtual MVPDs (multichannel video programming distributors) such as YouTube TV on carriage fees and packaging. When an agreement is not reached by the contract deadline, the distributor can lose the right to carry channels until a new deal is struck.
Local stations, including ABC affiliates like WFAA, rely on retransmission revenue from distributors but are legally separate entities from the national network carriage negotiations. That separation means stations remain responsible for local broadcasts and over-the-air service even when national disputes interrupt pay-TV feeds.
For sports broadcasts tied to major networks—Monday Night Football being a prime example—these carriage breakdowns can have immediate, high-profile consequences for large, live-audience events and prompt rapid public interest and pressure on both sides to find a resolution.
Main event
The specific dispute left YouTube TV subscribers without ABC and ESPN while the Dallas Cowboys hosted the Arizona Cardinals on Monday Night Football. Local viewers relying solely on YouTube TV for live TV found the channels missing from their channel lineups shortly before kickoff. WFAA continued its over-the-air broadcast in the Dallas market for viewers with antennas.
WFAA clarified that it is not directly involved in negotiations between YouTube TV and Disney/ABC; its role remains producing and distributing the local ABC signal on broadcast frequencies. The station encouraged affected fans to seek other legal viewing options, including alternate streamers, bars, and household alternatives.
Among the switching options, Fubo advertises access to ABC in many markets and often provides a trial period for new users, while Sling sells short-term day passes for some users who only need brief access. For viewers who already own an HD antenna, the local ABC channel can usually be picked up free and in high definition within the affiliate’s service area.
Analysis & implications
Short-term, the dispute creates frustration for subscribers who pay for a full channel bundle and expect access to marquee live events. Lost viewership for a game can reduce ad impressions for both local and national advertisers; it also increases the chance viewers will try alternative services or methods to watch live sports.
Medium-term, repeated carriage fights can accelerate cord-cutting or prompt subscribers to rely on a mix of direct-to-consumer apps, single-sport subscriptions, or antennas for locals. For distributors like YouTube TV, losing high-value channels risks subscriber churn, especially during the NFL season when live sports drive sign-ups.
For local stations, over-the-air transmission remains a critical safety valve. Maintaining a strong free broadcast signal helps preserve local reach during carriage disruptions and underlines the value of terrestrial broadcasting to communities that depend on local news and sports coverage.
On a regulatory and industry level, these disputes highlight tensions in retransmission-fee economics as content owners seek higher per-subscriber fees while distributors push back to control consumer costs. Repeated stand-offs could prompt calls for policy review on retransmission consent or new marketplace solutions for must-have live events.
Comparison & data
| Option | Typical cost | Trial/short pass | Local ABC availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| YouTube TV | Paid subscription (no ABC/ESPN during dispute) | None during active subscription | Not available via YouTube TV while talks are unresolved |
| Fubo | Paid subscription | Advertised free trial for new users (varies) | Available in many markets |
| Sling | Paid plans; $5 day passes advertised | $5 day pass option | Selective/market dependent |
| HD antenna | One-time $20–$100+ (typical retail range) | N/A | Free local ABC if in broadcast range |
The table above summarizes practical options for viewers seeking immediate access. Costs and availability vary by market: streaming services carry ABC only where they have rights or the local affiliate is included, while antennas work wherever the over-the-air signal reaches. Antenna price ranges depend on brand and range; basic indoor models commonly start near $20, while outdoor or amplified antennas can cost more.
Reactions & quotes
Below are representative, paraphrased statements and their context.
“WFAA is not a party to the carriage talks and continues to broadcast locally over the air.”
WFAA (local station, paraphrase)
WFAA emphasized its independence from the carriage negotiation and reiterated that viewers in the Dallas area can still receive the station’s signal via an antenna.
“We recommend viewers try alternate streaming services, visit public viewing locations, or use an antenna to watch tonight’s game.”
WFAA viewer guidance (paraphrase)
The station provided practical guidance for viewers seeking legal alternatives and linked to step‑by‑step antenna setup instructions on its site to help those without other subscriptions.
Unconfirmed
- No public, detailed term sheet for the negotiation has been released; specifics on fee demands and proposed concessions remain unconfirmed.
- Any timeline for a deal to restore ABC/ESPN on YouTube TV has not been announced by either company and remains uncertain.
Bottom line
The immediate impact of the distribution breakdown is tangible for YouTube TV subscribers anticipating Monday Night Football: without ABC or ESPN in the YouTube TV lineup, viewers must choose alternatives to watch the Cowboys-Cardinals game live. Practical short-term solutions include switching to another streaming service that carries ABC, purchasing a short-term Sling day pass, visiting a bar or friend, or using an HD antenna to pick up the local ABC affiliate.
Longer-term, repeated carriage disputes can shift viewing habits and put pressure on both distributors and content owners to find more predictable, consumer-friendly contracting models. For now, fans in the Dallas market who want to be certain they’ll see the game should test an antenna or confirm availability on an alternate streaming platform before kickoff.
Sources
- WFAA — Local television news report (original article on carriage impact and viewing options)
- Fubo — Streaming service (commercial)
- Sling TV — Streaming service (commercial; offers day passes)
- The New York Times / Wirecutter — Product reviews and buyer guides (antennas)
- CNET — Consumer tech review (antennas)