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Many YouTube TV users likely noticed something missing when the clock struck midnight last night and Disney and YouTube TV were unable to reach an agreement on a new carriage deal: a few major networks, such as ABC and ESPN.
There are a number of well-liked YouTube TV live streaming options that can assist bridge the gap if you’re considering changing providers due to the outage.
Until Disney and Google-owned YouTube TV can come to a new arrangement, Disney-owned channels like ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, ACC Network, SEC Network, Disney Channel, Freeform, and FX have been taken off YouTube TV.
YouTube TV stated that it will keep negotiating with Disney in a supportive message, but it also added:
“At this point, we are unable to predict when an agreement will be reached or when their content will be back on the platform.”
Additionally, YouTube stated that users will receive a $20 credit as compensation if the channels are unavailable for a long time.
Top YouTube TV Substitutes
DirecTV, Fubo, Sling TV, and ESPN Unlimited are our top choices to take the place of YouTube TV.
Every service has different channel lineups, pricing options, and features.
Among the top live TV streaming services we’ve tried are DirecTV, Fubo, and Sling TV; depending on your plan of choice, they provide anywhere from 34 to over 200 channels.
If you simply want to stay up to date on sports during the blackout, ESPN Unlimited is a more cost-effective choice.
Everything you need to know about each of the four services is outlined below, including important channels, costs, and free trial opportunities.
All of them are month-to-month subscriptions, similar to YouTube TV, so you are not bound by a long-term, cable-style contract and can cancel at any time.
Additionally, you have the option to return to YouTube TV at a later time if you so want.
Best YouTube TV Alternatives 2025
DirecTV
The finest live TV streaming service we’ve tried overall is DirecTV, which is also the closest real substitute for YouTube TV.
With a variety of subscriptions and add-ons, it provides robust local network coverage and almost every major cable channel you can imagine.
Aside from YouTube TV, it is actually the only live TV provider that doesn’t miss any important channels.
The Entertainment Plan, one of DirecTV’s flagship plans that functions similarly to YouTube TV, starts at $89.99 a month and offers over 90 popular channels.
Additionally, DirecTV launched new Genre Packs this year, which are reasonably priced bundles tailored to particular themes.
You might want to look into the DirecTV MySports package if sports are the major thing you’re missing during the YouTube TV blackout.
About 20 well-known sports channels and access to ESPN Unlimited are included in the $69.99 monthly MySports subscription.
A five-day free trial is available to new clients, and some membership tiers include extra promotional deals.
See our DirecTV review and guide to the new Genre Packs for additional details.
ESPN Unlimited
ESPN Unlimited is your best option if missing sporting events on Disney-owned channels is your biggest worry.
Live broadcasts of ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN on ABC, ESPNU, ACC Network, SEC Network, and more are available on this updated app.
Additionally, you may watch special events like college football games that aren’t broadcast on national TV thanks to ESPN Plus exclusives.
The monthly cost of the service is $29.99, although you can save a lot with some bundle offers.
The ESPN Unlimited + Disney Plus + Hulu combo is currently available for just $29.99 per month for a whole year.
If you’re missing shows like “High Potential,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” or “9-1-1” that air fresh episodes on ABC, you can practically receive ad-supported Disney Plus and Hulu for free for a full year.
See our comprehensive guide to ESPN Streaming Services for additional information, including an explanation of ESPN Select. Best YouTube TV Alternatives 2025.
