Part 4/11:
The employer’s unwavering position contrasts sharply with recent reports suggesting some improvement in dialogue. However, sources indicate that Disney’s demands—particularly involving their ESPN streaming initiatives—are at the core of the impasse.
The Core Content Dispute: ESPN and Streaming Rights
At the heart of the conflict lies Disney’s aggressive push to pivot from linear broadcast channels to direct-to-consumer streaming, especially through the ESPN app. YouTube TV, owned by Alphabet (Google), is demanding that Disney include all ESPN content within the YouTube TV platform, effectively consolidating access and eliminating the need for additional apps.