The deadline to claim a portion of Disney’s $50 million settlement is today, Sept. 8. The settlement stems from a 2022 federal class‑action lawsuit brought by YouTube TV subscribers who argued that Disney’s control of popular channels, including ESPN, gave the company undue leverage over live‑TV streaming bundles.
Background of the lawsuit
In the original complaint, plaintiffs alleged that Disney’s carriage agreements required streaming providers to include ESPN in their base packages. They claimed this practice limited competitors’ ability to offer lower‑cost alternatives and pushed subscription prices higher for consumers. Disney has denied the allegations but agreed to settle without admitting liability.
Who is eligible?
To qualify, a consumer must have paid for either YouTube TV or DirecTV Stream at any time from April 1, 2019 through March 31, 2026. The settlement is still pending final court approval, but eligible claimants can submit their information now.
How to file a claim
Claims can be filed online through the settlement administrator’s website or by mail. For mail‑in claims, complete the provided form and send it to:
Biddle v. Disney, Settlement Administrator
P.O. Box 4720
Portland, OR 97208‑4720
Potential payout
The exact amount each claimant will receive has not yet been determined. After the court’s final approval hearing, scheduled for Jan. 14, 2027, the fund will be divided among approved claimants based on factors such as subscription length and the total number of valid claims.
What this means for consumers
While the settlement does not establish wrongdoing, it provides a mechanism for consumers who felt they paid higher prices due to Disney’s streaming leverage to receive compensation. Filing a claim is free, and missing the deadline will forfeit any potential share of the settlement.
Next steps
Consumers should verify their eligibility, gather subscription records, and submit their claim before the end of the day. Additional details and the online claim portal are available on the settlement administrator’s website.
Original reporting: Las Cruces Sun News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
