• Loading stock data...
Thursday, June 19, 2025

YouTube TV Faces CBS Blackout As March Madness, Masters Loom

The heightening dispute between CBS parent company Paramount and the Google-owned YouTube TV has implications beyond an ordinary carriage negotiation.

The Knoxville News-Sentinel

The bumpy transition into a streaming-led media industry could leave many viewers without March Madness and the Masters this spring.

Paramount-owned channels, including CBS on broadcast and the CBS Sports Network, are set to go dark Thursday on YouTube TV, the fourth-largest U.S. pay-TV provider with more than eight million subscribers. The sides have been unable to reach a new carriage agreement, and the dispute is escalating just weeks before a key moment in the annual sports calendar for CBS with the two high-profile events upcoming.

“Paramount is an important partner for us and as you can imagine, this is not the outcome we want,” YouTube TV said in a blog post. “We’re still in active conversations with Paramount and are hopeful we can come to an agreement to keep their content available.”

The blackout is due to go into effect at 11 p.m. ET on Thursday.

The contract battle also arrived just weeks after YouTube TV raised its prices by $10 per month to $82.99. YouTube said it would give its customers an $8 credit if the Paramount content “is unavailable for an extended period of time,” though there were no immediate specifics on how long it would take to trigger that offer.

In its own specially created web page, Paramount touted the popularity of its programming among YouTube TV subscribers. 

“YouTube TV is prioritizing their own interests over a fair agreement,” the company said. 

Pivot Points

The carriage dispute arrives at a delicate time for both companies, in addition to the top-tier sports content now at risk. Paramount is attempting to finalize an $8 billion merger with Skydance, a deal in the works since last summer that has gone through numerous twists and turns—including an aborted rival bid from media executive Edgar Bronfman Jr. 

That Paramount merger is now attempting to close in the midst of a new White House administration led by U.S. President Donald Trump that is placing unprecedented levels of pressure on many media outlets. 

The Google-owned YouTube TV, meanwhile, is still attempting to position itself as a more nimble and affordable option than traditional cable or satellite TV. That effort, however, is growing more difficult between the escalating costs and other carriage issues. It’s had other fractious negotiations with programmers in recent years, including one in 2021 with ESPN parent Disney that saw that company’s channels briefly pulled from the service.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Pacers Force Game 7, Could Spark Big Ratings Boost for NBA Finals

Game 7 could boost NBA Finals ratings after a slow start this year.
Washington's Ben Gorsage, right, and Orland Park Sandburg's Mateo Ramiro-Garcia tangle at the start of the Class 3A state 800-meter run Saturday, May 31, 2025 at Eastern Illinois University in Charleston. Gorsage took third place, followed by Ramiro-Garcia in fourth.

Dozens of Olympic Sports Have Been Cut in Wake of House v...

Tennis, track and field, and swimming and diving appear heavily impacted.
Apr 22, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) and Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) leave a court after defeating the Minnesota Timberwolves 94-85 in game two of first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena.

Lakers Sale Stunner: 3 Rapid Reactions

If the Lakers are worth $10 billion, imagine a Cowboys sale price.

Featured Today

Dec 5, 2024; Miami, FL, USA; FIFA president Gianni Infantino presents the FIFA Club World Cup trophy during the Club Word Cup draw at Telemundo Studios.

Revamped Club World Cup Is FIFA’s Billion-Dollar Gamble

The revamped soccer event debuts amid controversy.
Jun 10, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; United States head coach Mauricio Pochettino stands during the anthem against the Switzerland during the first at Geodis Park
June 14, 2025

Gold Cup Is Complicated for USMNT—but U.S. Soccer Has Its Eyes on..

Uncertain tournament success isn’t fazing forward-looking U.S. soccer.
Jan 24, 2017; Davidson, NC, USA; The Davidson Wildcats student section cheers during the first half against the Duquesne Dukes at McKillop Court at John M. Belk Arena. Davidson defeated Duquesne 74-60.
June 6, 2025

Every College Wants a Flashy Basketball GM Hire Right Now

The role is more important than ever, and the definition is ever-evolving.
August 31, 2024; Columbus, Ohio, USA; The Goodyear blimp flies over Ohio Stadium during the first half of Saturday’s NCAA Division I football game between the Akron Zips and the Ohio State Buckeyes.
June 6, 2025

Why the Goodyear Blimp Is at Every Major Sports Event

The airship wasn’t built to cover sports. Now it’s a regular presence.

Stanley Cup Final Delivers Drama but Struggles for Eyeballs in U.S.

U.S. viewership fell while Canadian audiences for the event rose slightly.
June 17, 2025

Zaslav Takes Pay Cut, TNT Sports Future Unclear in WBD Shake-Up

The TNT Sports parent company retools its executive pay after shareholder pushback.
June 17, 2025

Streaming Tops Linear for First Time, Sports Still Key to TV’s Resilience

Streaming hits another critical milestone in an accelerating media transition.
Sponsored

Game On: Portfolio Players Stories, Brought to You by E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley

Ted Leonsis unpacks basketball’s global rise, media rights, and portfolio ownership.
Tyrese Haliburton
June 16, 2025

NBA Finals Ratings Up Again in Game 4 but Still Down Overall

More than nine million people watched Games 3 and 4.
Thunder
June 16, 2025

NBA, ABC Air Finals Lineup Intros After Fan Complaints

ABC aired player intros for the first time in 12 years Monday. 
Anthony Slater
exclusive
June 13, 2025

Top Warriors Reporter Anthony Slater Leaving The Athletic for ESPN

Anthony Slater starts at ESPN later this summer.
June 12, 2025

NBA Finals Ratings Rise in Game 3, but Still Trail Recent Years

The Pacers lead the Thunder, 2–1, in the Finals.