Disney Settles Antitrust Lawsuit Over Streaming Subscription Pricing; YouTube TV and DirecTV Customers May Qualify for Payments

Disney has agreed to a $50 million settlement in a class action lawsuit alleging the company violated antitrust and consumer protection laws by inflating streaming subscription costs.

The lawsuit, filed in 2022 by YouTube TV and DirecTV Stream subscribers, claimed Disney used its control over popular content like ESPN and Hulu to force streaming platforms to include these channels in basic packages, thereby limiting competitors’ ability to offer lower-priced alternatives and driving up consumer costs across the industry.

The case, Biddle v. Disney, stems from allegations that Disney’s carriage agreements required streaming services to bundle ESPN with basic channel packages, creating barriers for competitors seeking to provide more affordable options. Disney has denied any wrongdoing and the settlement includes no admission of liability.

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Disney reached a settlement agreement in the class action suit over its impact on streaming bundle prices. (Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images)

Eligibility for Disney Settlement Payments

Consumers who subscribed to YouTube TV or DirecTV Stream between April 1, 2019, and March 31, 2026, may be eligible for a portion of the settlement fund. DirecTV subscribers are covered for DirecTV Stream, DirecTV Now, and AT&T TV Now plans during this period.

A separate case involving FuboTV plaintiffs, which sought damages over a seven-year period, has not settled and therefore those plaintiffs are not currently eligible.

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Settlement Payment Amounts

Payments will vary based on the length of time subscribers maintained their YouTube TV or DirecTV Stream service during the covered period and the total number of valid claims submitted, minus attorney fees. The court is scheduled to approve the settlement at a hearing on January 14, 2027, after which payments will be distributed to eligible recipients.

DirecTV Stream subscribers in the covered period can file a settlement claim. (Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images for NFL SUNDAY TICKET on DIRECTV)

How to File a Claim

Eligible subscribers can submit a claim form to receive payments proportional to their subscription duration. Claimants must provide a unique ID found on their official notice, which was sent by mail or email. Those who did not receive notice or misplaced it can contact the settlement administrator for help.

Claims can be submitted online or by mail, with a deadline of September 8, 2026. No receipts or subscription documentation are required—claimants must simply verify their subscription dates under penalty of perjury. Additional information and the claim form are available at the Biddle v. Disney claims website.

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