Disney to pay $50 million settlement. Here's how to get your share

Key Points:

• A $50 million settlement from The Walt Disney Company is available to eligible consumers who subscribed to YouTube TV or DirecTV Stream between April 1, 2019, and March 31, 2026, following a class action lawsuit alleging Disney helped drive up streaming subscription prices.
• The lawsuit claimed Disney used its control over must-have programming, including ESPN and Hulu content, to require streaming platforms to include ESPN in base channel packages, limiting cheaper bundle options and contributing to higher consumer costs.
• The deadline to file a claim for the settlement is September 8, 2026, with payments to be distributed on a pro rata basis after a final court approval hearing scheduled for January 14, 2027.
• The exact payout amounts have not been disclosed and will depend on subscription length and the total number of valid claims filed; Disney agreed to settle without admitting wrongdoing.
• The case is part of broader industry disputes over carriage rights, bundling, and pricing control, highlighting ongoing tensions between Disney and streaming distributors, including past channel blackouts during negotiations.