Friday, June 26, 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.”

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

NBC Lands Additional NFL Rights for Critical Late-Season Weekend

The Comcast-owned network expands its presence in the league’s Week 17.

Trump Rips NFL Streaming Costs: ‘Killing the Golden Goose’

U.S. President Donald Trump once again hit out against the NFL.
May 2, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey (0) drives past Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) during the first quarter of game seven of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden.

First Round of NBA Playoffs Reaches 33-Year Viewership High

Game 7 of the 76ers-Celtics series averaged 11 million viewers.

Kentucky Derby Breaks Viewership Record with 19.6M

The Kentucky Derby is one of the most-watched U.S. sports events.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

6/25/26 – Austin Reaves’s Record Deal, IOC to Pay Every Olympian, Taylor Swift’s MSG Wedding, College Eligibility Lawsuits

0:00

Featured Today

Italian Americans Have Severe World Cup FOMO

Bars and restaurants in Boston, Philly, and beyond are missing the Azzurri.
Indiana Fever guard Lexie Hull (10) celebrates a three-point basket Monday, June 22, 2026, during the game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Indiana Fever defeated the Phoenix Mercury, 86-77
June 24, 2026

Female Athletes Are Trying to Build the ‘Athleisure of Beauty’

“Performance cosmetics” have emerged alongside the women’s sports boom.
June 18, 2026

Why U.S. Open Host Sites Are on a 25-Year Plan

The U.S. Open has already picked out 22 future sites through 2051.
Wisconsin Badgers forward Laila Edwards, left, and defender Caroline Harvey celebrate after Edwards scored against the Minnesota Gophers in the first period in a game Saturday, February 8, 2025, at LaBahn Arena in Madison, Wisconsin.
June 15, 2026

Two Rookies Are Rewriting Women’s Hockey Stardom

Their platforms are a mutual boon for the PWHL and its players.
Ai sports slop
June 5, 2026

How Sports Became Ground Zero for AI Slop

The category is the perfect breeding ground for AI content churn.

NBC’s John Fanta: College Hoops ‘Has Never Been Stronger’

The NBC broadcaster said the college basketball product has never been better.
June 25, 2026

U.S. Open Draws 5.5M Viewers, Still Trails PGA Championship

Sunday’s audience peaked at 9.3 million viewers.
Feb 7, 2022; Westlake Village, CA, USA; ESPN reporter Dianna Russini at Los Angeles Rams Super Bowl LVI Opening Night at Oaks Christian High School. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
June 25, 2026

NYT Russini Story Only Raises More Questions

Is The Athletic’s investigation into Russini’s work nearing its end?
Sponsored

How Daktronics Is Reshaping the Modern MLB Ballpark Experience

The technology powering baseball’s next chapter.
Jay Williams ESPN NBA Draft
Exclusive
June 24, 2026

Jay Williams: Viral Draft Moment Was ‘Extremely Uncomfortable’

Williams’s draft co-hosts joked about his career-ending injury.
Oct 11, 2025; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; LSU Tigers head coach Brian Kelly looks on against the South Carolina Gamecocks during the first half at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
Exclusive
June 24, 2026

Brian Kelly to Call CBS College Football Games

Kelly previously contributed to CBS Sports Network’s NFL Draft coverage.
June 12, 2026; Inglewood, California, U.S.; Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, Folarin Balogun and Malik Tillman of the U.S. celebrate their first goal, an own goal scored by Paraguay's Damian Bobadilla. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
June 24, 2026

USMNT World Cup Run Could Push Fox Ad Rates Past $2 Million

Fox was charging nearly $1 million for USMNT group-stage games.
Nov 3, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Detailed view of the Atlanta Hawks logo during warmups before the game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
Exclusive
June 23, 2026

ESPN’s Tim Bontemps in Advanced Talks to Join Hawks Front Office

A deal has yet to be finalized.