URGENT UPDATE: Pat McAfee, host of ESPN’s “College GameDay,” is celebrating a major victory for fans as a deal has been struck between Disney and YouTube TV to restore critical channels just in time for Saturday’s college football action. The announcement comes after a prolonged blackout that began on October 30, leaving many viewers unable to access their favorite ESPN and ABC programming.
In an enthusiastic video shared from his SUV in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, McAfee declared, “Huge news, ESPN and YouTube TV got a deal!” He emphasized the significance of this agreement, saying, “Ball is back for the world! We need more ball, not less ball.” This statement reflects the excitement surrounding college football fans eagerly awaiting the return of crucial broadcasts.
According to ESPN, the new agreement will restore “Disney’s full suite of networks and stations,” which includes popular channels like ESPN, ABC, NatGeo, and FX. This restoration is a relief for many viewers who have faced disruptions during the blackout, which impacted multiple channels, including the SEC Network and ACC Network.
The standoff between Disney and YouTube TV stemmed from disputes over licensing fees, with YouTube TV accusing Disney of using the blackout to negotiate higher prices. Disney countered, claiming YouTube TV was unwilling to pay fair rates for its channels and was leveraging its market power to stifle competition.
As the excitement builds for “College GameDay” airing live from Pittsburgh tomorrow morning, McAfee will be joined by sports legends including Nick Saban and Kirk Herbstreit. They will be on-site before the highly anticipated matchup between the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the Pittsburgh Panthers.
YouTube TV stated that the agreement preserves the value of their service and offers future flexibility for subscribers, while Disney affirmed their commitment to delivering exceptional entertainment. The resolution has been met with enthusiasm, with McAfee exclaiming, “Congrats to all parties for the good of f***ing ball. We’re back. Thank you to heavens. This is good s***. Hell yeah.”
The deal is not only a victory for viewers but also highlights the ongoing challenges in the media landscape regarding content access and pricing. As college football fans gear up for Saturday’s action, the restoration of these channels ensures they won’t miss a moment of the excitement.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops and enjoy the return of college football on YouTube TV!
