NBCUniversal Warns Possible Blackout on YouTube TV Amid Contract Dispute

NBCUniversal and YouTube TV are in a high-stakes dispute over carriage fees and rights that could lead to a blackout of NBCU programming on YouTube TV starting September 30. The core disagreement centers on sports content, with YouTube TV seeking to include Premier League soccer and other NBCU sports broadcasts within its main interface, while NBCU insists that such content remain exclusive to its Peacock streaming service to attract direct subscribers. NBCUniversal accuses Google of demanding preferential treatment and unfair rates to dominate the streaming market, while YouTube TV counters that NBCU is asking for higher fees than those charged to Peacock customers, potentially leading to increased prices and less flexibility for YouTube subscribers. If negotiations fail, subscribers could lose access not only to NBC's major sports events like Sunday Night Football, NBA games, and Premier League matches, but also popular entertainment shows such as Saturday Night Live, The Voice, and The Real Housewives. This dispute follows similar recent carriage conflicts involving YouTube TV with Fox Corp. and TelevisaUnivision, highlighting ongoing tensions as traditional broadcasters negotiate with streaming platforms amid the evolving pay-TV landscape. YouTube TV has promised a $10 credit to customers if NBC content is unavailable for an extended period, underscoring the impact on its estimated 9 to 10 million U.S. subscribers.