The Desk appreciates the support of readers who purchase products or services through links on our website. Learn more...

YouTube TV, Sinclair reach temporary agreement to keep sports on platform

(Logo: Sinclair Broadcast Group/Handout, Graphic: The Desk)

YouTube TV and the Sinclair Broadcasting Group have reached a temporary agreement that extends the availability of around two dozen regional sports networks on the streaming service.

The announcement was made late Friday evening mere hours before a contract between the two companies was set to expire.

Earlier in the week, YouTube TV warned customers it would remove 21 Fox Sports-branded regional sports network and the YES Network on February 29, saying it was unable to reach an agreement with Sinclair that would have allowed it to continue offering the channels to customers.

Sinclair said it had offered to charge YouTube TV less money for the right to offer customers the channels and gave YouTube TV the option to extend its current agreement in time for the start of baseball season.

Late Friday, both sides agreed to that extension. A spokesperson for YouTube TV, owned by Google, said more details on a potential timeline over the channels would be offered at a later date.

Photo of author

About the Author:

Matthew Keys

Matthew Keys is an award-winning journalist with more than 10 years of experience covering the business of television and radio broadcasting, streaming services and the overall media industry. In addition to his work as publisher of The Desk, Matthew contributes regularly to StreamTV Insider and KnowTechie, and has worked for several well-known news organizations, including Thomson Reuters, McNaughton Newspapers, Grasswire, Comstock's magazine, KTXL-TV and KGO-TV. Matthew is a member of IRE, a trade organization for investigative reporters and editors, and is based in Northern California.

Email: [email protected] | Signal: 530-507-8380