NBCU, YouTube TV Reach Short-Term Deal Extension to Avert Blackout

Google and NBCUniversal have secured a short-term extension on their existing carriage agreement for YouTube TV, allowing NBCU’s networks to remain accessible to subscribers as discussions continue towards finalizing a new arrangement. This announcement follows the expiration of their previous contract on September 30 at midnight ET.

“We’ve reached a short-term extension to avoid any disruption for our users while we negotiate a new deal with NBCUniversal,” a Google spokesperson stated. “We appreciate our subscribers’ patience as we work on their behalf.”

Previously, NBCUniversal had begun notifying YouTube TV subscribers that they could potentially lose access to its networks. Google has asserted that NBCU is demanding a fee greater than what consumers pay for similar content on Peacock, which could lead to reduced flexibility and increased costs for subscribers. Should NBCU programming become “unavailable for an extended time,” YouTube TV users will be entitled to a $10 credit, as noted on Google’s customer-support webpage.

YouTube TV subscribers were at risk of losing access to numerous popular NBCU shows such as “Saturday Night Live,” “The Voice,” “Law & Order,” and “Chicago Fire,” as well as sporting events like NFL and college football. This also includes cable channels such as Bravo, MSNBC, CNBC, and USA.

Earlier on the same day, YouTube TV discontinued offering Univision and various TelevisaUnivision networks following a failure to agree on a contract renewal. The TelevisaUnivision agreement, similar to NBCU’s, also expired on September 30. In light of this, YouTube TV is providing affected subscribers with a $6 credit or refund.

The NBCUniversal channels affected include those that will transition to Versant, the new entity responsible for NBCU’s cable television assets (except for Bravo). This includes NBC local stations, MSNBC, USA, Bravo, Golf Channel, CNBC, Oxygen True Crime, E!, Cozi, Syfy, American Crimes, NBC News Now, and Telemundo and Universo. Additionally, regional sports networks such as NBC Sports Philadelphia, NBC Sports Bay Area, NBC Sports Boston, and NBC Sports California are also included in the negotiations.

As of late 2024, YouTube TV boasted approximately 9.5 million subscribers, according to MoffettNathanson, which positions it as the largest internet-based pay TV provider in the United States.

Throughout 2023, Google has faced similar contractual disputes regarding YouTube TV with several major programming networks. Most notably, after challenging negotiations, YouTube TV and Paramount Global (previously Paramount Skydance) reached an agreement in February to maintain the availability of CBS stations and more than 20 additional channels. Furthermore, a renewal agreement with Fox Corp. was confirmed in August 2025 after substantial public negotiations.

This situation mirrors earlier tensions between Google and NBCUniversal; in 2021, their distribution deal expired, but both parties quickly established a long-term agreement thereafter.

Recently, Justin Connolly, a former distribution executive at Disney, joined YouTube as Vice President and Global Head of Media this spring. In a related development, Disney filed a lawsuit against YouTube and Connolly, alleging a breach of contract and attempting to block his employment with Google, although a California court denied Disney’s request. Disney’s contract for YouTube TV is also approaching its renewal phase.

Pictured top: NBC’s “Chicago Fire”