NBCUniversal and Google have inked a multi-year distribution deal to maintain the availability of NBC and its range of networks on YouTube TV.
As part of the renewed agreement, YouTube TV will also feature the newly reintroduced NBC Sports Network (NBCSN). NBCU indicated that the revamped NBCSN—set to debut later this fall—“will enhance the extensive sports offerings available year-round on the NBC broadcast network.” This comes after the network was previously shut down in 2021.
The announcement of the deal on Thursday follows the expiration of their previous agreement on September 30, with both parties negotiating a short-term extension to finalize the details. YouTube TV is currently the largest internet pay-TV service in the U.S., boasting around 9.5 million subscribers as reported by research firm MoffettNathanson as of late 2024.
This agreement ensures that YouTube TV continues to carry the comprehensive lineup of NBCUniversal networks, including NBC, Bravo, CNBC, Golf Channel, E!, Oxygen True Crime, MSNBC, USA, Syfy, Telemundo, and Universo. Notably, NBCU’s cable networks (with the exception of Bravo) will be part of the Versant spin-off, which is expected to complete by the end of 2025.
Additionally, the NBCU-Google partnership includes plans for Peacock to become available in the upcoming months as a subscription option through YouTube Primetime Channels, a separate offering from YouTube TV. The companies have also agreed on a multi-year extension for Peacock’s availability on Google’s Android platforms, such as Google Play and Google TV.
On a different note, YouTube TV ceased carrying Univision and other TelevisaUnivision channels on Tuesday evening, following a failure to secure a terms renewal with the Hispanic media outlet. Their previous contract also came to an end on September 30.
“Our new partnership with Google represents a significant triumph for our audience and our business—it highlights the lasting appeal of our essential shows, films, sports, and live events while broadening our audience reach,” stated Matt Schnaars, NBCU’s president of platform distribution and partnerships. “We’ve ensured long-term access to our complete suite of broadcast and cable channels on YouTube TV, and we’ve made progress on our Peacock strategy with its upcoming launch on YouTube Primetime Channels and continued presence on Google TV. This agreement sets us up for ongoing growth and demonstrates our commitment to providing superior entertainment to fans across various platforms.”
Justin Connolly, VP and global head of media and sports at YouTube, remarked: “This agreement strengthens our longstanding collaboration with NBCU, while adapting to the shifting media landscape and recognizing the necessity of delivering content where and how viewers prefer to consume it. We are excited to finalize this agreement and eager to further our partnership to serve billions of viewers worldwide.”
Additional components of the NBCU-Google agreement include:
- A long-term deal for short-form clips, highlights, and shows from NBCU’s premium programming on YouTube; and
- An extension allowing Universal Pictures Home Entertainment films and TV shows to be available for purchase or rental on Google TV, YouTube TV, and YouTube, along with select library films from NBCUniversal Global TV Distribution being accessible for streaming through subscription VOD on YouTube Premium and ad-supported VOD via YouTube Free Primetime Content.
