NBCUniversal and Google have reached a mulityear distribution agreement to keep NBC and NBCU’s suite of other networks on YouTube TV.
In addition to the current NBCU slate, under YouTube TV deal renewal, the streaming service will carry the newly relaunched NBC Sports Network (NBCSN). NBCU said that the new NBCSN, to launch later this fall, “will complement the prominent sports properties presented year-round on the NBC broadcast network.” The company had previously shut down NBCSN in 2021.
The deal announcement Thursday came after the companies’ previous agreement expired Sept. 30; the parties reached a short-term extension to hammer out final details. YouTube TV is the U.S.’s biggest internet pay-TV service, with an estimated 9.5 million customers as of the end of 2024, according to research firm MoffettNathanson.
The agreement continues YouTube TV’s carriage of NBCUniversal’s full portfolio of networks, including NBC, Bravo, CNBC, Golf Channel, E!, Oxygen True Crime, MSNBC, USA, Syfy, Telemundo and Universo. The company’s cable networks (excluding Bravo) will be part of the Versant spin-off, a transaction expected to close by the end of 2025.
In addition, the NBCU-Google deal calls for Peacock to be available in the coming months as a subscription through YouTube Primetime Channels, the platform’s third-party subscription offering (which is independent of YouTube TV). The companies also entered into a multiyear extension of Peacock’s availability across Google’s Android platforms, including Google Play and Google TV.
Separately, YouTube TV dropped Univision and other TelevisaUnivision-owned networks on Tuesday evening, after Google and the Hispanic media giant failed to reach terms on a carriage renewal. Their previous agreement also expired on Sept. 30.
“Our new agreement with Google is a clear win for both our business and our viewers — underscoring the enduring value of our must-see shows, films, sports, and live events while expanding our reach to even more audiences,” Matt Schnaars, NBCU’s president of platform distribution and partnerships, said in a statement. “We’ve secured long-term access to our full portfolio of broadcast and cable networks on YouTube TV, and we’re advancing our Peacock strategy with an upcoming launch on YouTube Primetime Channels and ongoing presence on Google TV. This agreement positions us for continued growth and reflects our commitment to delivering exceptional entertainment to fans across platforms.”
Justin Connolly, VP, global head of media and sports at YouTube, commented: “This deal builds on our long-standing partnership with NBCU while addressing the evolving media landscape and recognizing the importance of making content available where and how viewers want to watch it. We are pleased to have reached this agreement and look forward to continuing our partnership to serve billions of viewers around the world.”
Other elements of the NBCU-Google deal include:
- A long-term agreement for short-form clips, highlights and shows from NBCU’s premium programming on YouTube; and
- An extension of the agreement making Universal Pictures Home Entertainment films and TV shows available to buy or rent on Google TV, YouTube TV and YouTube, as well as library films from NBCUniversal Global TV Distribution being available to stream via subscription VOD on YouTube Premium and ad-supported VOD through YouTube Free Primetime Content.
