What happened and what it means for college football fans
Disney and YouTube TV have failed to reach a new distribution agreement, resulting in Disney-owned channels such as ABC and ESPN no longer appearing on YouTube TV. For college football fans, this means access to many Saturday games and related programming may be disrupted, especially if you previously relied on ABC affiliates and ESPN for live coverage, game previews, and analysis.
Immediate options to continue watching college football
While YouTube TV no longer carries Disney channels, several viable paths let you keep following college football throughout the season:
- Hulu with Live TV: A sister service in the Disney bundle, Hulu with Live TV carries ABC, ESPN, and ESPNU, depending on your market. This option keeps the same network access you relied on with YouTube TV, plus the benefit of a robust on-demand library.
- Direct streaming through ESPN+ and ESPN apps: If you have access to the ESPN app or ESPN+ through another provider, you can stream a large portion of college football content, including selected games, studio shows, and analysis. Availability varies by game and conference rights.
- Sling TV with appropriate add-ons: Sling offers packages with ESPN and ESPN2, and in some markets may carry ABC-affiliated streams via local station access. Check your hometown affiliate to confirm live game availability.
- Paramount+ and other networks: Several college football games air on CBS, CBS Sports Network, and other networks carried by different streaming services. Paramount+ and related platforms can be part of a broader strategy to watch conferences that align with their broadcast windows.
- Antenna or local streaming apps: For fans near major markets, an over-the-air antenna can capture ABC affiliate stations showing Saturday games. Some ABC stations also offer live streams through their local news apps or websites, though access may require a local login.
How to compare plans and pick the right option
Choosing a replacement requires matching your favorite teams and conferences with the right combination of networks. Consider these factors:
- <strongTeam and conference rights: Check which platforms carry your preferred teams’ games on ABC, ESPN, or ESPNU, especially for regional or non-conference matchups.
- Game day availability: Look for live streams during kickoff windows, plus replays and on-demand clips for games you miss.
- Cost and bundles: Compare monthly prices, DVR capabilities, and bundled services (for example, Hulu with Live TV vs. Sling with ESPN add-ons) to maximize value while keeping game access.
- Device support: Ensure the service works with your smart TV, streaming device, or gaming console, and that you can watch on mobile when you’re away from home.
Tips to maximize your college football watching this season
Beyond simply finding a streaming solution, you can optimize your viewing experience with these strategies:
- Create a game-night plan: Identify your must-watch games each weekend and verify which service carries them in your location.
- Utilize cloud DVR: Record games you can’t watch live and catch up later, along with postgame analysis and coach interviews.
- Stay informed on rights changes: Conference realignments and rights renewals happen periodically. Following official conference and streaming service announcements helps you adjust quickly.
- Explore free or low-cost options: Some regions offer free ABC live streams or trial periods for streaming services. Use trials wisely to cover key games without long-term commitments.
What this means for fans moving forward
The loss of Disney channels on YouTube TV highlights how streaming rights influence how fans access college football. While it’s disruptive in the short term, multiple viable options exist to keep up with Saturdays in the fall. By understanding team rights, comparing plans, and using a mix of live streaming and on-demand content, fans can continue enjoying college football without missing important games.
