How YouTube TV and DirecTV Stream subscribers can get a payout from Disney's $50M antitrust settlement

Disney has agreed to a $50 million settlement to resolve a class action lawsuit, Biddle v. Disney, which alleged the company engaged in anticompetitive behavior to inflate streaming service prices. The lawsuit claimed Disney leveraged its control over popular content, such as ESPN, to force streaming platforms into carriage agreements that increased costs for consumers. While Disney has denied any wrongdoing and wrongdoing, it agreed to the settlement without admitting liability.

Subscribers of YouTube TV or DirecTV Stream (including DirecTV Now and AT&T TV Now) who paid for services between April 1, 2019, and March 31, 2026, are eligible for a share of the fund. The amount of each payout will vary based on the duration of the individual's subscription during the covered period.

To receive a payment, eligible consumers must submit a claim form by September 8, 2026. Claimants will need a unique ID provided via mail or email, though they can contact the settlement administrator if they did not receive one. A final court hearing to approve the settlement is scheduled for January 14, 2027, with payments to be issued shortly thereafter.

(Source：Fox Business)