YouTube TV Subscribers May Get Cut of $50M Antitrust Lawsuit Settlement

A class action lawsuit settlement involving YouTube TV and DirecTV Stream subscribers may result in payouts worth up to $50 million. The case, known as Biddle v. The Walt Disney Company, alleges that Disney used its control over popular programming like ESPN to force streaming platforms to bundle expensive channels into their base packages, driving up prices for everyone.

The lawsuit was filed in 2022 and settled without Disney admitting liability. A judge granted preliminary approval on March 31, and a final fairness hearing is scheduled for January 14, 2027.

Eligible subscribers are those who had YouTube TV or DirecTV Stream subscriptions between April 1, 2019, and March 31, 2026. Payments will be pro-rata, with longer subscription periods resulting in bigger payouts. The total payout also depends on how many people file claims.