Wednesday, August 12, 2026

Google, NBCUniversal Deadlocked Over YouTube TV Rates

  • NBCUniversal’s content may disappear from YouTube TV if the two sides cannot come to an agreement on the rate paid by Google.
  • The current deal expires on Thursday.
Design: Alex Brooks

A standoff between Google and NBCUniversal could leave fans of the NFL, golf, and other sports scrambling for alternative ways to watch as soon as this weekend.

The two sides have been unable to agree on the price Google should pay going forward to continue carrying NBCUniversal’s content on YouTube TV. 

The Comcast-owned network’s channels could be removed from YouTube TV if a new deal is not reached when the current one expires Thursday. That includes NBC, CNBC, GOLF Channel, and its regional sports networks.

  • Google said it would lower the monthly cost of YouTube TV from $64.99 to $54.99 while NBCUniversal’s content is unavailable on the platform. The service has over 3 million subscribers. 
  • Google’s parent Alphabet earned $7 billion from YouTube ads in the second quarter but does not separately report YouTube TV’s revenue.
  • NBCU’s Peacock had 54 million subscribers as of June 30, though only around 3 million are believed to be paying for a $9.99 per-month ad-free subscription. The service lost $363 million in the second quarter, with $122 million in revenue.

NBCUniversal has sought to put consumer pressure on Google: The network ran banners on its YouTube TV NFL broadcasts and other channels on Sunday, directing customers to a website to contact Google over the dispute.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign up for
The Memo Newsletter

Get the biggest stories and best analysis on the business of sports delivered to your inbox twice every weekday and twice on weekends.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Nov 23, 2025; Paradise, Nevada, USA; The NFL shield logo on the field at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

NFL Faces AI Accusations Over ‘Move the Sticks’ Podcast Feed

The podcast posted a new episode hosted by an unidentified voice.
Nov 16, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; General view of CBS Sports NFL today broadcast before the game between the Kansas City Chiefs against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.

CBS Sports Has a Lot to Live Up to After Banner Year

The Paramount-owned network will rely more on NFC teams this year.
May 10, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) shoots the ball against Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) in the second quarter during game four of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Xfinity Mobile Arena.

NBA Takes a Page From NFL With Schedule Unveiling

The NBA is beginning a three-day schedule reveal.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

8/12/26 – Knicks-LeBron Tickets Soar, Trump Backs Infantino, Romo’s CBS Future Unclear

0:00

Featured Today

Trendy Golf Hat Divide Is More Than a Fashion Fight

As golf has gotten trendier, so has the sport’s style.
Joey Spallina of the Maryland Whipsnakes
August 6, 2026

How Eye Black Became ‘War Paint’ on the Field

“You’re going into battle, doing something you only do on game days.”
August 6, 2026

Tom Brady Explains His Aggressive Push Into Trading Cards

Brady talked to FOS about his eponymous card company.
FILE PHOTO: Cricket - Indian Premier League - IPL - Mumbai Indians v Chennai Super Kings - Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, India - April 23, 2026 Mumbai Indians' Suryakumar Yadav in action
August 5, 2026

India Is Stealing Cricket’s Throne From England and Australia

India’s insatiable appetite for cricket has shifted the traditional locus of power.
WPBL
July 30, 2026

Who’s Playing Women’s Professional Baseball?

Sixty players from 11 countries are descending on Illinois for six weeks.
ESPN personality Pat McAfee, left, shakes hands with President Donald Trump during the Patriot Games held at Spire Academy, Aug. 11, 2026, in Geneva, Ohio.
Opinion

Critics Can No Longer Claim ESPN Is ‘Woke’

ESPN stars and executives had a significant presence at the Patriot Games.
Nov 15, 2025; Athens, Georgia, USA; Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian and Georgia Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart interact after a game at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
First at FOS
August 11, 2026

SEC Netflix Series Not Returning for Second Season This Year

The show chronicled 10 SEC football teams during the 2024 season.
The Volume
Exclusive
August 11, 2026

David Ross, Anthony Rizzo Rebranding Volume Podcast

The revamped show will cover all of MLB, not just the Cubs.
Sponsored

Saints Great Turns to Ownership

Marques Colston discusses his Champions Fund launch and finding success after football.
August 11, 2026

Huge Hall of Fame Game Ratings Point to Another Big Year for NFL

The latest NFL viewership suggests big things to come for the league.
Mar 4, 2023; Indianapolis, IN, USA; The NFL Network logo on the field at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
August 10, 2026

NFL Network Blackout Ends As Comcast, Disney Reach Deal

The agreement ended a blackout lasting more than three months.
Nov 19, 2023; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Former Panther and now announcer Greg Olsen during pregame warm ups between the Carolina Panthers and the Dallas Cowboys at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
Opinion
August 10, 2026

Greg Olsen Has the Most to Gain in NFL TV’s Talent Shuffle

CBS, Amazon, and ESPN could all have No. 1 jobs to fill.
August 7, 2026

How WNBA Teams Are Responding to the League’s Latest Culture War

The league issued a new media policy this year.