Google’s streaming cable television replacement YouTube TV has reached a new deal with Comcast’s NBC Universal that will keep its local broadcast stations and national networks on the platform for a few more years.
The deal allows subscribers of YouTube TV to continue watching national networks like Bravo, E!, SyFy, CNBC, MSNBC (soon MS NOW), USA Network, Golf Channel and Oxygen True Crime, along with local NBC-owned stations affiliated with the network and its Spanish-language broadcaster Telemundo.
Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Google’s distribution agreement with YouTube originally expired on Tuesday, but both sides agreed to a temporary extension that kept NBC Universal’s channels on the platform while the new deal was ironed out.
As part of the deal, YouTube TV will offer the new NBC Sports Network (NBCSN) when it launches later this year. The national channel will offer live sports from NBC and Comcast’s streaming service Peacock. The agreement also allows YouTube to sell subscriptions to Peacock through its YouTube Primetime Channels marketplace.
YouTube TV will also continue to offer four NBC-branded regional sports networks — NBC Sports Bay Area, NBC Sports California, NBC Sports Philadelphia and NBC Sports Boston — that offer locally-televised professional basketball, baseball and hockey games in Northern California and parts of Massachusetts and Pennsylvania, a source familiar with the agreement confirmed to The Desk on Thursday. The availability of the regional sports networks was not mentioned in NBC Universal’s joint press release with Google.
“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,” said Matt Schnaars, the President of Platform Distribution & Partnerships at NBC Universal., 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.”
“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,” said Justin Connolly, the Vice President and Global Head of Media & Sports at YouTube. “We are pleased to have reached this agreement and look forward to continuing our partnership to serve billions of viewers around the world.”
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Editor’s note: This story was updated Thursday evening to include information about the continued availability of NBC-branded regional sports channels on YouTube TV.
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