Disney files suit seeking to bench YouTube’s new sports boss

The Walt Disney Company (DIS.N) has filed a lawsuit against YouTube, owned by Alphabet Inc (GOOGL.O), seeking to block the appointment of former Disney executive Justin Connolly as its global head of media and sports.

The complaint, filed late Wednesday in a Los Angeles state court, accuses YouTube of breach of contract, unfair competition and interference with a contractual relationship.

Disney alleges that Connolly, who spent over two decades at the company including a recent stint as head of platform distribution, remains contractually bound to Disney through at least March 2027.

He had signed a renewed three-year deal in November 2024, which, according to Disney, included a provision limiting his ability to exit early. Disney is requesting both preliminary and permanent injunctions to prevent Connolly from violating the terms of his agreement.

YouTube has not yet responded to a request for comment.

Connolly, who departed Disney earlier this week, is expected to oversee YouTube’s relationships with major media firms and lead its expanding live sports offerings, according to a source familiar with the matter.

The Google-owned platform has increasingly focused on sports content, following high-profile moves by rivals like Amazon and Netflix.

In 2022, YouTube signed a $14 billion deal to stream National Football League (NFL) games, underscoring its ambitions in the space.

Disney is also preparing to launch a standalone ESPN streaming platform, highlighting the rising competition in digital sports broadcasting.

The case marks another flashpoint in the intensifying battle among tech giants and traditional media for dominance in the lucrative sports streaming market.