YouTube TV & Fox Reach Agreement To Avoid Sports Blackout

Following a new distribution agreement, YouTube and FOX have reached a deal to keep Fox channels available on YouTube TV. Thus, YouTube TV subscribers will keep their access to Fox’s full portfolio, including Fox Sports and Fox News, after a dispute between the two companies.

YouTube TV pays broadcasters, such as Fox, to stream their channels to their subscriber base of over 9.4 million people. According to YouTube, the initial disagreement sparked after Fox began asking for “far higher [payments] than what partners with comparable content offerings receive,” following Fox’s launch of their standalone streaming service, Fox One, a week prior (via CNBC).

Despite the launch of Fox One, YouTube maintains the top spot as America’s market leader in terms of audience engagement, capturing over 13% of TV watch time in July. Launching on August 21, Fox One costs $19.99 per month or $199.99 annually, comparatively less than YouTube TV’s $82.99 per month price tag.

A Last-Minute YouTube-Fox Deal Saved Sports Channels

YouTube warned users that if the two companies couldn’t reach an agreement by August 27, all Fox content would be unavailable on YouTube TV. A “short-term extension” was later announced on Wednesday evening to allow the two companies more time to determine a new deal.

This still came as a huge blow to users of YouTube TV’s Fox channels, with many sports fans threatened with the possibility of losing access to the start of the NFL season, which begins September 4. Paired with the possibility of also losing access to highly anticipated college football games, MLB Games, and the World Series, the YouTube warning provoked concerns of a potential sports blackout.

Luckily, this was avoided when the companies reached a renewal agreement, with YouTube stating: “football fans will not miss any of the action this weekend.” Although the financial terms of the agreement have not been disclosed, discussing the deal with CNBC, YouTube stated: “We’re pleased to have reached a deal that preserves the value of our service for our subscribers.”

What This Means For YouTube TV

Despite their differences, the two corporations have ultimately reached a deal to continue the streaming of Fox content on YouTube for the foreseeable future. Meaning the likes of Fox News Channels, Fox Business Network, Fox Weather, Fox Sports, FS1, FS2, Fox Deportes, Big Ten Network, the Fox network, and all Fox Local Stations will remain accessible through the YouTube TV platform.