By Gavin Boyle
After a long battle to hammer out specifics, YouTube TV and NBC Universal have agreed to a long-term deal which will provide the TV distributor’s users with access to the studio’s extensive suite of content.
“Our new agreement with Google is a clear win for both our businesses 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,” said Matt Schnaars, NBCU’s president of platform distribution and partnerships.
“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 deliver exceptional entertainment to fans across the platforms,” Schnaars continued.
Related: YouTube TV, NBCUniversal Continue Fight Over Integrating Content on Their Platform
The deal guarantees YouTube TV subscribers access to its full collection of networks including NBC, Bravo, CNBC, Golf Channel, USA and Telemundo along with the newly relaunched NBC Sports. The deal will also make Paramount+ content available directly through YouTube TV — for those who subscribe to both platforms.
While the deal has now closed, tensions were high last month as NBCU almost pulled its content from the site leading to a user blackout.
“YouTube TV has refused the best rates and terms in the market, demanding preferential treatment and seeking an unfair advantage over competitors to dominate the video marketplace — all under the false pretense of fighting for the consumer,” a NBCU spokesperson said at the end of September as the previous content deal was expiring.
NBCUniversal And YouTube TV Reach Short-Term Extension As They Negotiate Carriage Renewal https://t.co/lwPL4m1IwN
— Deadline (@DEADLINE) October 1, 2025
While YouTube TV has been around for less than a decade, it already has a history of being a hard negotiator. In February, it closed a deal with Paramount after the studio almost blacked out 20 of its channels.
“We’ve been working hard to reach a fair agreement with Paramount that allows us to keep their channels, including CBS and CBS Sports, on YouTube TV without passing on additional costs to our subscribers,” YouTube told its subscribers at the time. “Unfortunately, despite our good faith negotiations, we haven’t been successful yet. We understand how disappointing and disruptive it is to lose channels you enjoy on YouTube TV, so here’s what you need to know: After February 13, 2025, all Paramount content, including CBS and CBS Sports, will be unavailable on YouTube TV.”
The blackout, however, did not occur, and YouTube secured a strong deal with the company as well.
While its strong negotiation tactics have so far proven successful to maintain access to critical company’s content, some day YouTube may meet its match and be forced to drop a major provider.
Read Next: YouTube TV’s Blackout Scare Explained
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