- A contract dispute between YouTube TV and Disney has resulted in a blackout of all Disney-owned channels, including ESPN.
- This blackout leaves NHL fans who subscribe to YouTube TV unable to watch the majority of regular season games airing on ESPN Unlimited.
- Alternative streaming services like fuboTV and DirecTV are offering free trials, providing a legal and immediate way to regain access to ESPN and watch NHL games.
- A direct subscription to ESPN Unlimited is the most cost-effective long-term solution, though it does not offer a free trial.
In a move that has left countless sports fans scrambling, a bitter contract dispute between Google-owned YouTube TV and Disney has resulted in the removal of all Disney-owned channels from the popular streaming service. This abrupt blackout means subscribers have lost access to ESPN, ESPN2, FX, their local ABC affiliates, and more, putting the current NHL season in jeopardy for many viewers.
The Disney vs. YouTube TV Blackout Explained
The core of the issue lies in failed negotiations over carriage fees. According to reports, Disney sought higher fees for its channels, which YouTube TV was unwilling to pay, claiming the media giant was demanding a rate higher than its competitors. With the contract expiring, all Disney-owned channels went dark on the platform, leaving a massive programming gap and frustrated customers in its wake. This isn’t the first time Disney has been involved in such a dispute, having had similar public standoffs with Spectrum and DirecTV in recent years.
How Hockey Fans Can Still Watch the NHL for Free
For NHL enthusiasts, the timing couldn’t be worse, as the blackout cuts off access to the vast majority of regular season games streamed live on ESPN Unlimited. Fortunately, you don’t have to miss the action. Several competing services that include ESPN Unlimited in their packages are offering free trials to new customers.
Best Bet: fuboTV Free Trial
fuboTV has emerged as a top alternative for sports fans. The comprehensive live TV streaming service offers over 230 channels and, crucially, includes ESPN Unlimited in its base package. New users can sign up for a free trial to immediately start watching NHL games and other ESPN content. After the trial, the service has a promotional first-month price of $54.99 before moving to its standard $84.99 per month.
Another Strong Alternative: DirecTV
DirecTV also provides a robust channel lineup that includes ESPN Unlimited and other key sports networks. Similar to fuboTV, it offers a free trial, allowing YouTube TV refugees to catch their favorite hockey teams without missing a beat while they decide on a more permanent solution.
The Cheapest Option (Without a Free Trial)
If you prefer a more a-la-carte approach and don’t need the extensive channel offerings of a full live TV service, subscribing directly to ESPN Unlimited is your most cost-effective choice. For $29.99 per month, you get comprehensive NHL coverage and live streams of ESPN, ESPN2, and other affiliated networks. While it lacks a free trial, it’s an excellent long-term solution for dedicated hockey fans.
A Word of Warning on Illegal Streams
While free but illegal streaming sites like the now-defunct StreamEast and its replacements may seem tempting, they are unreliable, risky, and against the law. Sticking with legitimate platforms like fuboTV and DirecTV ensures a high-quality, secure, and legal viewing experience.
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