The Walt Disney Company is certainly no stranger to legal battles.
In fact, the company is currently being sued by passholders of both Disney World and Disneyland, and last November we learned of another suit brought forth by YouTube TV subscribers who allege that Disney’s business deals have inflated the cost of streaming subscriptions. Now, we have an update.
Last year, YouTube TV subscribers filed two antitrust lawsuits over its Live TV streaming. The plaintiffs claim “the company’s business deals with competitors have inflated the amount consumers pay for streaming live TV services.”
The suits continue with the plaintiffs’ claim that “because Disney requires streamers including YouTube TV to include ESPN in base packages, they are paying extra more for their subscriptions than they should.”
The lawsuits also allege that “This dramatic, marketwide price inflation has been led by Disney’s own price hikes for Hulu + Live TV, and has directly tracked Disney’s competitor-by-competitor negotiation of new SLPTV carriage agreements over this time period.”
We hadn’t heard any updates since the suits were originally filed, but on January 31st, Disney filed a motion to dismiss them according to Reuters. Disney’s attorneys have argued that the plaintiffs who filed the suits “misconstrue basic antitrust and economic concepts.”
Disney says that the suits fail to show “a relevant antitrust market in which competition was harmed” and that “the antitrust laws exist to protect competition, not individuals.”
In 2021, Disney and YouTube TV duked it out over ESPN, with YouTube eventually agreeing to provide a less expensive subscription that didn’t include ESPN or other Disney-owned channels.
But, the plaintiffs’ lawyers said that “many consumers would prefer a base package that does not include ESPN and costs meaningfully less.” Disney’s motion to dismiss the antitrust lawsuits will be reviewed by US District Judge Edward Davila in July.
We’ll continue to keep an eye out for updates on this situation, so stay tuned to AllEars for more.
How a $5 Million Lawsuit Changed Disney’s Annual Pass Program
Join the AllEars.net Newsletter to stay on top of ALL the breaking Disney News! You'll also get access to AllEars tips, reviews, trivia, and MORE! Click here to Subscribe!
Are you a YouTube TV subscriber? Let us know in the comments!
Trending Now
Here's how much you'll pay to skip the line at TRON Lightcycle / Run in...
Take a look at the wait times on a weekend during spring break in Disney...
Staying on Disney World property has SO many perks, including complimentary transportation. But, what if...
Will you be able to resist adding these Disney items on Amazon to your cart?!...
Pirates of the Caribbean is having a rough day in Disney World.
ANOTHER Disney100 item has made it to Disney World... Let's check it out!
Look alive! Here's your guide to Haunted Mansion Loungefly bags!
Spring is popping up all around Disney World and now these annual Easter eggs have...
McDonald's has new toys in their Happy Meals and we have all of the details!
See if your favorite Disney restaurant was impacted by menu changes this week!
TRON Lightcycle / Run has soft opened today in Magic Kingdom -- see what it...
Check out this new resort restaurant with us!
We found Disney's newest Disney100 Decades collection in EPCOT and we have all of the...
There are a few things you probably do at Walt Disney World that you might...
A popular ride has temporarily CLOSED in Disney World!
Disney hasn't announced who might replace Bob Iger as CEO yet, but one current company...
Annual Passholders, you get new perks today!
Breaking news! Disneyland's Hyperspace Mountain is returning for a limited time and we have all...
The newest addition for The Disney100 Decades collection, a collection celebrating 100 years of the...
Was this fan-favorite snack actually invented by Disney? Let's find out!