Disney $50M settlement for YouTube TV, DirecTV Stream users

Millions of current and former YouTube TV and DirecTV Stream subscribers have until September 8, 2026, to file a claim for a share of a $50 million settlement from The Walt Disney Company. The settlement resolves a portion of a class-action lawsuit alleging Disney used its control over popular channels to inflate subscription prices for streaming live television services.

The lawsuit, filed in federal court in 2022, accused Disney of violating federal and state antitrust and consumer protection laws. Plaintiffs argued that Disney leveraged its ownership of must-have channels, particularly ESPN, to force distributors like YouTube TV and DirecTV Stream to include these networks in their base packages. This bundling practice, the suit claimed, eliminated cheaper alternatives and led to higher monthly bills for consumers across the industry. As an example, court documents indicated YouTube TV's base price increased from $35 to $65 after it added Disney-owned channels.

Disney has denied any wrongdoing. The company stated its negotiating practices were lawful but agreed to the settlement to resolve the claims related to YouTube TV and DirecTV Stream. The settlement includes a $50...