GoKawiilDisney Sets Sept. 8 Deadline for $50M YouTube TV, DirecTV Antitrust Payout
Disney has agreed to pay $50 million to settle Biddle v. The Walt Disney Company, a lawsuit accusing it of using ESPN's leverage to force streaming services into pricier bundled channel packages. The settlement covers anyone who subscribed to YouTube TV or DirecTV Stream (including DirecTV Now or AT&T TV Now) between April 1, 2019 and March 31, 2026, and claims must be filed by Sept. 8. Disney denies wrongdoing, and payout amounts will vary based on subscription length and total number of claims submitted.
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With roughly 40 million potential claimants, this case highlights ongoing scrutiny of how legacy media giants use must-carry sports content like ESPN to dictate pricing terms to streaming distributors. Even without an admission of guilt, the settlement signals growing legal pressure on bundling practices that critics say inflate consumer costs. Subscribers who miss the Sept. 8 deadline forfeit any share of the payout, regardless of eligibility.
- Disney will pay $50 million to settle antitrust claims over ESPN-driven bundling practices.
- Eligible subscribers include those with YouTube TV or DirecTV Stream (or predecessor services) between April 2019 and March 2026.
- Claims must be submitted online, by email, or by mail before the Sept. 8 deadline to receive payment.
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See Roku Streaming Stick 4K on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: cnet.com — Alex Valdes, 2026-09-07
Published there as: “Disney Settled an Antitrust Case for $50 Million. How to Get Your Share Before Sept. 8”
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