Thursday, July 16, 2026

YouTube Cuts NFL Sunday Ticket Price in Half at Midseason

  • The Google-owned streamer lowered the base package of Sunday Ticket to $174 from $349.
  • The price reduction comes after YouTube experienced its first major technical glitch related to Sunday Ticket, though the two are likely unrelated.
A general overall view as Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford throws the ball against the Pittsburgh Steelers at SoFi Stadium.
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Approaching the halfway point in its first season with NFL Sunday Ticket, YouTube has slashed the price of its prized football media property.

The Google-owned streamer lowered the base package of Sunday Ticket to $174 from $349, and its version with NFL RedZone included to $194 from $389. Further, the plan through YouTube Primetime Channels is reduced to $224 from $449, with the RedZone included package on Primetime Channels going to $244 from $489, according to TV Answer Man.

The price reduction comes after YouTube experienced its first major technical glitch related to Sunday Ticket during Week 8 of the NFL regular season.

During the 1 p.m. ET window, YouTube experienced widespread buffering problems across its products, including YouTube TV and Sunday Ticket. Before that, YouTube’s presentation of the NFL’s out-of-market games had gone mainly without a hitch.

However, while the price reduction could be seen as a reaction to the bad press, it’s likely something YouTube was already planning. 

In September, YouTube chief business officer Mary Ellen Coe told Deadline that a prorated subscription with fewer games remaining was “in the mix” for the steamer. “Ultimately, we want to make sure that pricing is relative to what the user-value proposition is,” she said.

YouTube is paying $14 billion for seven years of exclusive rights to the NFL Sunday Ticket package. Per a recent report, investment bank Morgan Stanley does not expect it to be profitable for Google but could improve its profitability over time.

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

MLS Commish: ‘We’ve Got a Lot of Boats’ on Soccer’s Rising Tide

The league eyes significant growth in the wake of a massive World Cup.
Nate Burleson Front Office Sports

Nate Burleson: ‘I’d Gladly Take a Pay Cut’ for CBS to Hire Travis Kelce

Burleson also had high praise for CBS’s hiring of Russell Wilson.
May 27, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Sky guard Natasha Cloud (9) brings the ball up court against the Toronto Tempo during the first half at Wintrust Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
Exclusive

WNBA’s Cloud Calls Out Engelbert Over Sports Bettor Threats

Cloud said she constantly receives racist messages online.
Jun 16, 2026; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; France forward Michael Olise (11) controls the ball against Senegal during a Group I match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at New York New Jersey Stadium

Where World Cup Stars Go to Customize Their Cleats

The world’s best players turn to a Scottish craftsman for perfect cleats.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

7/16/26 – World Cup Final Set, Kawhi Probe, FanDuel VIP Scandal Deepens

0:00

Featured Today

What the World Cup Means to Erling Haaland’s Tiny Hometown

The tournament’s breakout star is from a rural Norwegian town.
July 10, 2026

Why So Many Media Outlets Are Rushing Into Sports

Sports coverage has ballooned in every corner of media.
Pillow Fight Championship
July 8, 2026

How Obscure Sports Get Mainstream TV Deals

For niche sports, getting on TV often matters more than getting paid.
ATLANTA, GA - September 05: Georgia Lottery fireworks after the game against the Seattle Mariners at Truist Park on Friday, September 5, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia.
July 2, 2026

Inside the Spectacle and Science of MLB Fireworks

Postgame fireworks are lighting up baseball for America250.
Kansas City Chiefs
July 1, 2026

NFL Teams Push to Turn Futbol Fans Into Football Devotees

NFL teams are courting international soccer fans during their World Cup visits.
Jul 14, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; General view of fireworks over Citizens Bank Park during the fourth inning of the All-Star Game.

MLB All-Star Game Ratings Get a Boost From World Cup

The midseason showcase’s audience rises with a World Cup lead-in.
2026 ESPY Awards New York Knicks
July 16, 2026

5 Takeaways From the 2026 ESPY Awards

The annual ESPN awards show returned to New York this year.
Jul 11, 2026; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Conor McGregor (right) attempts a flying kick at the start of his fight against Max Holloway during UFC 329 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
July 16, 2026

McGregor Return Draws Nearly 16 Million Viewers on Paramount+

UFC 329 trailed Freedom 250 in total and average viewership.
Sponsored

Clase Azul Tequila Founder’s Soccer Ownership

Arturo Lomeli talks about managing a tequila brand and two soccer clubs.
Adam Friedland
July 15, 2026

How the World Cup Turned Adam Friedland Into a Sports Pundit

The comedian says he’ll continue to create sports content post–World Cup.
Former NFL Coache Jon Gruden have a laugh while attending an NFL training camp session ten at the Miller Electric Center, Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025, in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]
July 15, 2026

Can Jon Gruden Reinvent Himself on Play-by-Play?

Gruden will reportedly call a Buccaneers’ preseason game next month.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA- JULY 13: during the Home Run Derby at Citizens Bank Park on July 13, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Heather Barry / Netflix)
Opinion
July 14, 2026

Netflix Bounces Back With Home Run Derby Debut

After its panned coverage of Opening Night, Netflix focused on the field.
John Smoltz acknowledges the crowd during the introduction of returning inductees at the National Baseball Hall of Fame's 2024 induction ceremony Sunday, July 21, 2024, at the Clark Sports Center in Cooperstown, New York.
July 14, 2026

John Smoltz: MLB All-Star Game Is ‘Absolutely’ Still the Best

The Hall of Fame pitcher will call the Midsummer Classic for Fox.