Is ESPN on YouTube TV? What the Disney–YouTube TV blackout means today, how to watch College GameDay, and your best alternatives

Millions woke up this weekend to find ESPN, ABC, and other Disney-owned channels missing from YouTube TV, after carriage talks broke down in the final days of October. As of today (Nov. 1, 2025), the blackout is active nationwide. Here’s what that means for sports fans—especially those searching “is ESPN on YouTube TV,” “did YouTube TV lose ABC,” or “where is College GameDay today”—and how to keep watching without missing kickoff.

Status update: ESPN and ABC are off YouTube TV

• What’s blacked out: ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, SEC Network, ACC Network, ABC, FX, Nat Geo and other Disney-owned networks.

• Recordings: Many users report that DVR recordings from the affected channels have disappeared from their libraries.

• Credits/billing: YouTube TV has messaged some subscribers about a monthly credit while channels are unavailable (amounts vary by account eligibility).

• Price note: The base package remains roughly $83/month; the dispute does not automatically lower your bill unless a credit is applied.

Both sides say they want a deal; neither has provided a firm timeline. Plan your weekend as if the blackout will continue.

Where is College GameDay today—and how to watch it without YouTube TV

• Location: Salt Lake City for Cincinnati at Utah (Week 10).

• Time: The show typically runs 9 a.m.–noon ET.

• How to watch without YouTube TV:

  • Standalone ESPN streaming: The new direct-to-consumer ESPN subscription carries the linear feed within the app—no cable or live-TV bundle required.

  • Other live-TV streamers: Hulu + Live TV, DirecTV Stream, Fubo, and Sling Orange all offer ESPN (lineups and local ABC coverage vary by market/plan).

  • Free over-the-air (OTA) ABC: If GameDay simulcasts or your game is on ABC, an HD antenna will pull in your local station at no monthly cost. Reception depends on distance and terrain.

Quick check: If you only have ESPN+, note that many marquee games and GameDay itself air on ESPN/ABC linear feeds and may not be included with an ESPN+-only plan.

“Is ESPN on YouTube TV?” and other fast answers

• Did YouTube TV lose ESPN? Yes, during this contract dispute.

• Is ABC on YouTube TV? No during the blackout (locals are affected; channel tiles may vanish).

• Where to watch ESPN now? Use the ESPN app with the standalone subscription or switch to a live-TV streamer that currently carries ESPN/ABC in your area.

• ACC Network on YouTube TV? No while the dispute lasts. Same for SEC Network.

• College GameDay today: Streaming via the ESPN app (with eligible subscription) or a bundle that includes ESPN; OTA antenna if the show/game appears on ABC in your market.

Best streaming alternatives for ESPN and ABC this weekend

Hulu + Live TV

• Pros: Broad ESPN portfolio, Disney bundle tie-ins, robust on-demand.

• Watch-outs: Regional sports and locals vary by market; check channel lookup.

DirecTV Stream

• Pros: Strong local/RSN coverage on higher tiers; solid DVR.

• Watch-outs: Price climbs with sports tiers; confirm ABC/ESPN in your ZIP.

Fubo

• Pros: Sports-first design, 4K on select events, multiview.

• Watch-outs: Check ESPN/ABC availability in your area; free-trial promos change frequently.

Sling Orange

• Pros: Cheapest path to ESPN; flexible month-to-month.

• Watch-outs: ABC only in select cities; consider pairing with an antenna.

Standalone ESPN streaming

• Pros: Direct access to ESPN linear without a bundle; ideal for GameDay and headline games.

• Watch-outs: Regional blackouts and specific event rights still apply; read the fine print before big weekends.

How to watch ABC without YouTube TV

1. Try an antenna: Many viewers can receive ABC free in HD. Use a site/app that checks distance to your transmitter.

2. Use another live-TV service: Confirm ABC carriage by entering your ZIP on the provider’s site.

3. Network/app authentication: Some ABC programming streams in-app only with a participating TV provider login (standalone network apps won’t unlock without one).

If you’re considering canceling YouTube TV

• Pause vs. cancel: You can pause your membership for 1–6 months (no billing, no access) or cancel outright in account settings.

• DVR/library: Expect affected-channel recordings to be unavailable during the dispute; pausing won’t restore them.

• Return plan: Deals sometimes resolve suddenly. If you rely on a specific channel (ESPN/ABC), base your decision on today’s needs, not promises.

What this means for college football, NFL, NBA fans

• Saturday college slate: Expect heavy ESPN/ABC coverage. If you remain on YouTube TV, line up an alternate (standalone ESPN or another bundle) before kickoff.

• NFL & NBA: Prime-time and marquee games routinely touch ESPN/ABC. Check your schedule now to avoid last-minute scrambling.

As of Nov. 1, 2025, ESPN and ABC are not available on YouTube TV. To watch College GameDay and weekend games, your quickest options are the standalone ESPN subscription, a different live-TV streaming service with ESPN/ABC in your market, or a free OTA antenna for ABC. Keep an eye on your YouTube TV account messages for credits and any resolution updates, but plan your viewing as if the blackout will hold through the weekend.