Image Source: USA Today
As fans gear up for the upcoming Monday Night Football games, there’s a significant change impacting how to watch Monday Night Football this season. Currently, channels owned by Disney, including ESPN and ABC—both key broadcasters of “Monday Night Football”—are unavailable on YouTube TV amid a contract dispute that has sparked frustration among viewers.
Current Dispute and Its Implications
The situation has escalated, with contract negotiations between YouTube TV and Disney breaking down. Disney-controlled channels were pulled from YouTube TV on October 30, leaving many fans searching for alternatives to catch the action. YouTube TV accused Disney of demanding “costly economic terms that would raise prices on YouTube TV customers,” while Disney argues that Google, the parent company of YouTube TV, is using its market dominance to hurt fair competition in the industry.
As of November 3, fans tuning in for the Monday Night Football matchup between the Dallas Cowboys and the Arizona Cardinals will find the game unavailable on YouTube TV. This unforeseen blackout raises an important question for sports enthusiasts: how can they watch Monday Night Football without relying on YouTube TV?
Alternative Streaming Options
While YouTube TV subscribers face these restrictions, there are several other platforms where you can still enjoy the games:
- FuboTV: This streaming service not only provides access to ESPN and ABC but also offers a free trial for new subscribers, making it a great option for one-time viewers.
- Sling TV: Sling offers flexible package options that include ESPN’s coverage of Monday Night Football and a low-cost entry point for new users.
- ESPN+: ESPN’s proprietary streaming service allows subscribers to watch selected games live, with options available for dedicated football fans.
Additionally, NFL Game Pass offers out-of-market viewing for Monday Night matches, allowing fans outside of the local broadcast area to catch the games. Many cable operators also provide the option to watch via their apps or websites, so checking with your local provider may be beneficial.
Disney’s Efforts to Restore Navigation
Amid this contract deadlock, Disney has made a public plea for YouTube TV to restore ABC for the November 4 election day. The company stated that restoring access for viewers during this time is crucial to keeping the public informed. “Despite the impasse that led to the current blackout, we have asked YouTube TV to restore ABC for Election Day so subscribers have access to the information they rely on,” Disney said in a statement.
YouTube TV’s Customer Credit Offer
In response to the ongoing dispute, YouTube TV is providing its subscribers a $20 credit for any extended period during which Disney’s channels remain unavailable. This move is intended to compensate viewers for the inconvenience and maintain customer goodwill during these challenging negotiations.
Conclusion: Finding Your Football Fix
Despite the challenges posed by the YouTube TV and Disney contract dispute, multiple options exist for how to watch Monday Night Football. Whether you opt for FuboTV, Sling TV, or ESPN+, fans can still enjoy their favorite NFL games. Understanding these options can help mitigate the blackout-related frustration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still watch Monday Night Football on YouTube TV?
No, currently, ESPN and ABC are unavailable on YouTube TV due to a contract dispute with Disney.
What are the best alternatives to YouTube TV for watching Monday Night Football?
FuboTV, Sling TV, and ESPN+ are excellent alternatives offering access to Monday Night Football.
Will YouTube TV offer any compensation for the outage?
Yes, YouTube TV has announced a $20 credit for subscribers during the outage of Disney channels.
Is Disney trying to negotiate a return for their channels on YouTube TV?
Yes, Disney has asked YouTube TV to restore ABC, especially for important events like Election Day.
What should I do if my favorite game is only available on YouTube TV?
Consider using one of the alternative streaming services mentioned above or check with your cable provider for app access to the game.
