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ESPN Viewership Plummets Amid YouTube TV Blackout

11/6/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The YouTube TV blackout of ESPN and ABC reduced Monday Night Football viewership as the Cardinals and Cowboys drew 16.2 million, a 21.4% drop from last year.
ESPN's college football ratings declined, with College GameDay dropping from 2.5 million to 2 million viewers.
Fox dominated ratings with World Series broadcasts, as Game 7 drew nearly 27 million viewers.
The YouTube TV–Disney dispute raises questions about ESPN's future audience engagement.

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Story summary

The YouTube TV blackout of ESPN and ABC reduced Monday Night Football viewership as the Cardinals and Cowboys drew 16.2 million, a 21.4% drop from last year.
ESPN's college football ratings declined, with College GameDay dropping from 2.5 million to 2 million viewers.
Fox dominated ratings with World Series broadcasts, as Game 7 drew nearly 27 million viewers.
The YouTube TV–Disney dispute raises questions about ESPN's future audience engagement.