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In a dispute that has left millions of viewers frustrated, YouTube TV and Disney have yet to reach a new deal, causing the popular streaming platform to lose access to a range of beloved channels, including ESPN and ABC.
While the standoff continues, YouTube TV has decided to offer a $20 credit to subscribers to soften the blow.
Here’s what you need to know about claiming the credit and what streaming alternatives (like DIRECTV and Fubo) exist for watching your favorite Disney content during this blackout.
How to claim the $20 credit on YouTube TV
If you’re a YouTube TV subscriber, you’ve likely noticed that Disney-owned channels have been unavailable since Oct. 30. The ongoing negotiation deadlock has affected key channels like ESPN, ABC, Disney Channel and more.
To compensate for this disruption, YouTube TV is offering affected users a $20 credit that will be applied to their next billing cycle. However, there are a few important details to keep in mind.
Starting Nov. 9, YouTube TV began sending out emails to subscribers notifying them about the credit. A follow-up email will arrive in the next few days with instructions on how to claim the $20.
How to Redeem the Credit:
Visit tv.youtube.com on your web browser (credits cannot be claimed through the mobile app).Sign in and click on your profile picture in the upper-right corner.Go to Settings > Updates.You’ll find a button labeled “Claim Credit.” Click it to apply the $20 towards your next month’s bill.
Important Caveats:
The credit isn’t automatically applied to your account, so you need to claim it manually.The credit applies to your next month’s payment, not the current one.If you’ve canceled or paused your YouTube TV subscription, you’ll need to reactivate it to claim the credit.
YouTube TV has reassured subscribers that it’s working in good faith to resolve the dispute with Disney, but with no clear end in sight, many are seeking alternative options for live TV streaming.
YouTube TV streaming alternatives
While YouTube TV’s $20 credit is a nice gesture, it’s unlikely to appease sports fans who are missing critical programming like Monday Night Football or college basketball.
As negotiations between YouTube TV and Disney drag on, many subscribers may be seeking alternatives, with services like DIRECTV, Fubo and Sling offering solutions for those who want uninterrupted access to Disney-owned networks.
DIRECTV is the closest match to YouTube TV’s lineup, including popular channels like ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, FX and regional sports networks, plus local affiliates such as CBS and NBC. The “Entertainment” plan starts at $89.99 per month and most closely resembles traditional cable service. Right now, take advantage of their 5-day free trial and $40 discount on the first month.
DIRECTV
5-day free trial
Get $40 off your first month and enjoy local and national live sports, breaking news and must-see shows.
Fubo is known for its sports-heavy focus, with a lineup that includes ESPN, ESPN2, ACC Network and SEC Network, along with numerous entertainment and lifestyle channels. Fubo is ideal for sports fans seeking extensive live coverage across multiple leagues and global competitions. Fubo also offers a 5-day free trial with $30 off the first month, and starts at $84.99 per month.
Fubo
5-day free trial
Stream Monday Night Football with Fubo, and enjoy $30 off your first month.
Sling skips the free trial but offers 50% off the first month when you combine their “Orange” and “Blue” plans. With plans beginning at $45 per month, it’s the most affordable live TV streaming service that still includes Disney-owned channels. The Orange plan carries ESPN and Disney Channel, while add-ons like Sports Extra can expand your options. Sling has also introduced flexible short-term passes — available for a day, weekend, or week — for as little as $4.99, making it a great choice for one-time events.
Sling
$60.99 $29.99
Bundle Sling’s Blue and Orange packages and get half off the first month of service.
Generative AI was used to produce an initial draft for portions of this story. It was reviewed and edited by Syracuse.com.