Sunday, April 12, 2026

NBCUniversal, YouTube TV Avert Blackout For Now

Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports/Design: Alex Brooks

Comcast has a lot of moving parts lately, with NBCUniversal agreeing to a “short” extension with YouTube TV and Xfinity dropping MSG Networks.

It was reported earlier this week that Comcast-owned NBCU’s channels could be removed from YouTube TV if a new deal was not reached by midnight Eastern time on Thursday. 

After the standoff, the pair agreed to a last-minute extension in which YouTube TV will continue streaming NBCUniversal-owned shows, sports channels, and regional sports networks while negotiations carry on.

  • NBCUniversal was reportedly looking for a higher rate to its channels on YouTube TV, as well as push Peacock Premium as a mandatory add-on for subscribers.
  • YouTube TV was prepared to lower its price from $64.99 to $54.99 per month if it lost NBCU content. The service has over 3 million subscribers.

It’s not clear how long the extension will last.

Comcast also announced it would drop MSG Networks from its Xfinity cable lineup. Fans of the New York Knicks, Rangers, Islanders, and New Jersey Devils will no longer have access to games through the provider.

MSG released a scathing statement that said Comcast pulled the plug to “try to force us to accept terms they’d never agree to for their own regional sports networks.”

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Jul 12, 2023; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Former WNBA player Sue Bird arrives on the red carpet before the 2023 ESPYS at the Dolby Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
exclusive

Sue Bird Expected to Join NBC/Peacock WNBA Coverage

Bird previously hosted Final Four alt-casts for ESPN with Diana Taurasi.

NFL Faces Antitrust Threat from FCC Chair Over Streaming Push

The Trump loyalist threatens the league’s antitrust exemption.
Mar 23, 2026; Mesa, Arizona, USA; New York Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge (99) fields the ball against the Chicago Cubs in the third inning at Sloan Park.

MLB Media Strategy Goes National—and Fans Might Get Confused

The league looks to nationalize its media profile more.

March Madness Fuels the Push Toward More Screens, More Games

This year, there are even more multiview options available.

Featured Today

Matthew Schaefer/Front Office Sports

Matthew Schaefer Has the Hockey World in His Thrall

The teenage Islanders defenseman cannon-balled into the NHL.
April 9, 2026

College Athletes Are Ignoring NCAA Gambling Bans

“We were going to bet regardless,” says one former D-I athlete.
April 8, 2026

Why Did FIFA Do a Deal With an Obscure Prediction Market?

The product is scheduled to launch on Thursday.
Mar 28, 2026; Houston, TX, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini forward David Mirkovic (0) and center Tomislav Ivisic (13) react in the second half against the Iowa Hawkeyes during an Elite Eight game of the South Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Toyota Center.
April 4, 2026

Loopholes Enable Int’l College Basketball Players to Cash In

Schools have scrambled to find a way to compensate international players.
Feb 10, 2022; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Dianna Russini appears on the red carpet prior to the NFL Honors awards presentation at YouTube Theater. Mandatory Credit:
exclusive

The Athletic Probing Dianna Russini Over Mike Vrabel Photos

The Athletic previously released a statement defending the NFL reporter.
Apr 9, 2026; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Rory McIlroy tees off on the eighth hole during the first round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
opinion
April 9, 2026

Why Prime Video Was Wise to Lay Up During Masters Debut

Amazon’s modern broadcast still felt traditional.
Feb 8, 2026; Santa Clara, CA, USA; New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel walks on field before Super Bowl LX against the Seattle Seahawks at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
exclusive
April 9, 2026

Vrabel-Russini Photos Were Shopped to Multiple Outlets

The New York Post published the now-viral photos on Tuesday.
Sponsored

From Gold Medalist to Business Founder

Allyson Felix on investing in women’s sports and what comes next for track & LA28.
Apr 9, 2026; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Sam Burns putts on the 15th green during the first round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
April 9, 2026

Amazon Passes Masters Test During Debut

Prime Video streamed two hours of coverage Thursday afternoon.
April 9, 2026

NFL Faces DOJ Investigation With Media-Rights Battle Heating Up

Washington’s growing scrutiny of the league is deeply layered.
Apr 4, 2026; Phoenix, AZ, USA; ESPN reporter Holly Rowe during practice for the 2026 NCAA Women's Final Four at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
April 9, 2026

Holly Rowe Talks WNBA Draft, Auriemma-Staley Dustup

The ESPN reporter addressed a variety of women’s basketball topics.
April 8, 2026

Men’s March Madness Title Game Draws 18.3M Viewers, Up 23%

Michigan’s title win completes an emphatic run of audience increases.