Disney just told investors it doesn't know how long its fight with YouTube TV will last

Core Viewpoint - The ongoing carriage dispute between Disney and YouTube TV has led to significant financial implications for Disney, with uncertainty regarding the duration of the blackout and its impact on operations [1][2][3]. Financial Impact - Disney is reportedly losing $30 million per week due to the dispute, which has now lasted for 14 days, marking the longest carriage blackout in the company's history [3]. - The company's revenue for the quarter was $22.46 billion, slightly below analyst expectations, while adjusted earnings were $1.11 per share, exceeding expectations [4]. Contractual Challenges - Disney's channels were removed from YouTube TV following the expiration of their distribution contract on October 30, 2025, without an agreement on renewal terms [2]. - The company expressed concerns about potentially losing programming or distribution rights if contracts with other pay-TV providers, expiring in 2026, are not renewed on acceptable terms [4]. Rising Costs - Disney acknowledged that the rising costs of sports rights present a challenge, with the company indicating that the cost of obtaining certain programming rights has increased and may continue to do so [5]. - There is uncertainty regarding whether revenues from programming based on these rights will exceed the associated costs of rights acquisition and production [5].