YouTube TV and NBCUniversal Strike Deal, Averting Blackout

YouTube TV and NBCUniversal have reached a new long-term distribution agreement, keeping the programmer’s channels on the platform and ending a public dispute that threatened a blackout for millions of subscribers. The deal also resolves key sticking points over the Peacock streaming service and revives the NBC Sports Network.

• The devil in the details: Negotiations reportedly hinged on how to handle Peacock’s integration. Under the new terms, the service will be offered as a separate subscription through YouTube Primetime Channels, not bundled into the core package. The agreement also brings back the NBC Sports Network (NBCSN), which was shut down in 2021, with a new lineup featuring Big Ten athletics, NWSL soccer, and newly acquired NBA games.

• Official word: In a statement, NBCU's Matt Schnaars called the agreement a "clear win for both our business and our viewers." Justin Connolly, YouTube's head of media and sports, added that the deal builds on the companies' partnership while "addressing the evolving media landscape."

• On deck: Disney: With the NBCU drama resolved, YouTube TV now faces another major contract renewal: its agreement with Disney is set to expire at the end of October.

While NBCU secured its channels, Hispanic media giant TelevisaUnivision’s networks went dark on YouTube TV after their own agreement expired. The new deal to carry NBC's sports content also comes as YouTube TV has been dropping other regional sports networks over the past year due to high costs.