Disney Sues to Block YouTube’s Hiring of Former Executive to Oversee Media and Sports

23rd May, 2025 — The Walt Disney Company is taking legal action against tech giant Alphabet’s YouTube after the platform announced the high-profile hiring of veteran Disney executive Justin Connolly as its new global head of media and sports. Disney filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles County Superior Court late Wednesday, alleging breach of contract, unfair competition, and intentional interference with contractual relations. The suit aims to prevent Connolly from assuming his new role at YouTube, arguing that the appointment violates the terms of his employment agreement with Disney. The legal dispute centers around a contract Connolly signed in November 2024, in which he agreed to remain with Disney through at least March 1, 2027. According to Disney’s legal filing, the contract contained a one-time termination clause, but that clause does not permit him to break the agreement for a position with a direct competitor — particularly one involved in sports media, a space Disney contends is a core strategic focus for the company. “Connolly’s decision to join YouTube — a direct and aggressive competitor in the media and live sports streaming market — represents a clear violation of his contractual obligations,” the lawsuit claims. “Disney has made substantial investments in Mr. Connolly’s career, and his departure under these circumstances is not only damaging but unlawful.” Disney is seeking both preliminary and permanent injunctions to block Connolly’s employment at YouTube. The media conglomerate also asked the court to consider unspecified damages related to the breach of contract and competitive harm. YouTube, which had announced Connolly’s appointment on Thursday, has not yet responded publicly to the lawsuit. A spokesperson for the company did not immediately return a request for comment from Reuters. Connolly, a 20-year Disney veteran, most recently served as head of platform distribution, where he was responsible for negotiating high-profile deals across ESPN and other Disney-owned media properties. His departure comes at a pivotal moment for Disney, which is preparing to launch its much-anticipated standalone ESPN sports streaming service later this year. Sources familiar with the matter say Connolly’s new role at YouTube will involve overseeing strategic partnerships with major media companies and leading the platform’s expanding live sports initiatives. YouTube has rapidly positioned itself as a formidable player in the live sports streaming market, investing billions of dollars in acquiring media rights that appeal to its global user base. In 2022, YouTube made headlines by securing a $14 billion deal with the National Football League to stream games as part of its “NFL Sunday Ticket” package. That move signaled a growing shift as digital-first platforms like YouTube, Amazon, and Netflix ramp up competition with traditional broadcasters for sports rights — a key battleground in the streaming wars. Connolly’s expertise in media distribution and sports content would likely be instrumental in helping YouTube navigate this increasingly competitive landscape, industry observers noted.