The deadline to file a claim in the $50 million Disney antitrust settlement was September 8, 2026. The settlement concerns a class-action lawsuit alleging that The Walt Disney Company engaged in practices that increased subscription prices for live television streaming services, including YouTube TV and DirecTV Stream.
The settlement covers qualifying subscriptions purchased between April 1, 2019, and March 31, 2026. Although the claim deadline has passed, the case remains subject to final court approval, with a hearing scheduled for January 14, 2027. Disney denies wrongdoing, and the court has not determined that the company violated the law.
Disney Antitrust Settlement Overview
| Case name | Heather Biddle, et al. v. The Walt Disney Company |
| Case number | 5:22-cv-07317-EJD |
| Settlement amount | $50 million |
| Eligible services | YouTube TV, DirecTV Stream, DirecTV Now, AT&T TV Now |
| Subscription period | April 1, 2019 – March 31, 2026 |
| Claim deadline | September 8, 2026 (closed) |
| Objection deadline | December 1, 2026 |
| Final approval hearing | January 14, 2027 |
| Official website | www.OnlineTVSettlement.com |
What Is the Disney Antitrust Lawsuit About?
The lawsuit alleges that Disney violated federal antitrust laws and certain state consumer-protection laws through conduct that raised streaming live television prices. The plaintiffs contend that subscribers paid more than they otherwise would have because of those practices.
Disney disputed the allegations and agreed to the proposed settlement without admitting liability. The $50 million agreement is a partial settlement involving YouTube TV and DirecTV Stream subscribers. It does not resolve the separate claims brought by FuboTV plaintiffs.
Who Was Eligible to File a Claim?
The settlement established two qualifying subscriber groups:
- YouTube TV subscribers: People or entities that purchased subscriptions during the specified period.
- DirecTV streaming subscribers: Purchasers of DirecTV Stream, DirecTV Now, or AT&T TV Now subscriptions during the same period.
Former subscribers could qualify if their purchases fell within the eligible dates. Customers who subscribed to both services could include both subscriptions on one claim form. A Disney+, Hulu, or ESPN+ subscription alone did not establish eligibility for this particular settlement.
How Much Money Could Claimants Receive?
Eligible claimants were entitled to a proportional share of the net settlement fund, based partly on their qualifying subscription duration.
The distribution plan allocates 90% of the net fund to eligible claimants from designated repealer jurisdictions and 10% to those from other jurisdictions. Attorney fees, administration expenses, and other approved costs are deducted before calculating distributions. Consequently, the settlement does not guarantee an identical payment to every claimant. The final amount depends on valid claims and the approved allocation method.
How Were Disney Settlement Claims Submitted?
Before the deadline, eligible subscribers could submit their claims online through the official settlement website or send completed forms by mail. The administrator’s mailing address was Biddle v. Disney Settlement Administrator, P.O. Box 4720, Portland, OR 97208-4720.
Claims had to be submitted online or postmarked by September 8, 2026. The regular claim-filing period is now closed. The settlement information line is 1-877-704-2517.
When Will Disney Settlement Payments Be Issued?
The administrator has not announced a confirmed payment distribution date. Payments can be issued after the court grants final approval and the settlement becomes final. The court is scheduled to consider approval on January 14, 2027, although subsequent proceedings or appeals could delay distribution. Claimants who submitted valid forms should monitor the administrator’s website for announcements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can subscribers submit a new Disney antitrust settlement claim?
A: The September 8, 2026 filing deadline has expired. The official settlement information does not announce an extended regular filing period.
Q. Can eligible subscribers still object to the settlement?
A: Yes. Class members who remain in the settlement may file objections with the court by December 1, 2026, subject to the official notice requirements.
Q. What happens if someone missed the claim deadline?
A: They ordinarily receive no settlement payment without a timely, valid claim. Unless they properly excluded themselves, they may also be bound by the settlement’s release if it receives final approval.
Q. Is a separate payment available for FuboTV subscribers?
A: No payment for FuboTV subscribers is provided under this particular $50 million settlement. Their claims are separate from the settlement classes described in the official notice.
