Jimmy Kimmel says President Donald Trump’s fight cost ABC ‘billions’
During the Disney Upfront, Jimmy Kimmel joked that his clash with President Donald Trump has cost ABC and the Walt Disney Corporation “billions.”
Millions of current and former subscribers to its live TV streaming service could be eligible for a payout after the Walt Disney Company agreed to a $50 million settlement in a class-action lawsuit alleging that the company helped drive up subscription prices on platforms like YouTube TV and DirecTV Stream.
The settlement, which still requires final court approval, will allow eligible consumers who paid for YouTube TV or DirecTV Stream between April 1, 2019 and March 31, 2026 to claim a share of the funds. Payments are expected to be distributed after a final approval hearing scheduled for January 14, 2027.
According to the details of the settlement, the deadline for filing claims is September 8, 2026. The amount each subscriber will receive is not disclosed and will depend on factors such as length of subscription and number of active claims. Claims can be filed online or by mail through a court-approved portal.
lawsuit claims
The case stems from a 2022 federal class action lawsuit brought by YouTube TV subscribers who accused Disney of using its control over essential programming, including content associated with ESPN and Hulu, to influence the broader live streaming market.
The plaintiffs argued that Disney’s carriage contract requires the streaming platform to include ESPN in its basic channel package, limiting the ability of competitors to offer cheaper bundles. The suit alleges that this structure gives Disney industry-wide influence over pricing, leading to higher costs for consumers.
In one filing, Disney denies any wrongdoing, although it cites industry estimates that suggest a basic live TV streaming package will increase significantly over time with the inclusion of sports programming. The company agreed to settle the lawsuit without admitting liability.
The legal action is part of a broader series of disputes in the streaming industry over carriage rights, bundling requirements and price controls.
Payment mechanism
Under the proposed agreement, eligible subscribers do not need to be current customers to qualify. Anyone who subscribes to YouTube TV or DirecTV Stream (including previous versions such as DirecTV Now and AT&T TV Now) during the eligibility period can submit a claim.
Payments are prorated, so the amount you pay depends on your subscription term and total number of authorized claims. The court will consider the agreement at a hearing in January 2027 and may make adjustments.
Why this streaming incident matters
The settlement highlights continued scrutiny of how major media companies structure distribution deals in the streaming era.
The dispute also reflects repeated tensions between Disney and streaming companies. In recent years, transportation negotiations have led to temporary channel outages between Disney and services like YouTube TV and DirecTV Stream, highlighting the high stakes of content licensing agreements.
This settlement fund and eligibility period covers nearly seven years of subscription time and has the potential to reach a broad range of U.S. consumers who were using live TV streaming services during a period of industry-wide price increases.
Reporter Anthony Thompson can be reached at ajthompson@usatodayco.com or X @athompsonUSAT.
