YouTube TV introduces lower-priced sports and news packages

by

YouTube TV is introducing more affordable channel options, including a package specifically designed for sports enthusiasts.

YouTube TV is launching over ten new, cheaper plans. These options will cost less than the regular YouTube TV subscription, which includes over 100 channels.

YouTube TV will soon be making some changes because customers are unhappy with the rising monthly cost, which is currently $82.99. When it launched in 2017, YouTube TV was designed as a more affordable alternative to traditional cable and satellite, originally costing just $35 a month.

The Sports Plan is expected to be the most popular option when it launches this fall. For $64.99 per month, it includes the four major networks (all broadcasting NFL games), plus Fox Sports 1, NBC Sports Network, and all of the ESPN channels. New customers can get it for a special introductory price of $54.99 a month for the first year.

YouTube is launching a new plan focused on sports and news, combining the two most popular types of paid TV content. For $71.99 per month, this plan includes a variety of sports channels and major news networks like CNN, Fox News, MSNBC, Bloomberg, C-SPAN, and Fox Business. As a special offer, it’s currently available for $56.99 a month.

These new plans are designed to rival ESPN’s direct-to-consumer service, which is bundled with Fox One – a platform offering Fox’s news and sports channels – for a combined monthly price of $39.99.

For the past two years, DirecTV, based in El Segundo, has been offering more affordable channel packages. Recognizing that many customers don’t want to pay for hundreds of channels they never watch, DirecTV now provides smaller bundles focused on specific interests – like news, sports, kids’ programming, or Spanish-language content – along with streaming options, all at a lower monthly cost.

Traditional TV companies are feeling the heat to offer more affordable plans and choices, as more people cancel their subscriptions and switch to streaming services.

Hollywood Inc.

After losing customers, cable and satellite companies are now working hard to win back people who have cancelled their services and switched to streaming.

Negotiations with programmers about carrying their channels are often difficult and can result in channels being removed, interrupting service for viewers.

Last fall, viewers on YouTube TV couldn’t watch Disney channels, like ESPN, for almost two weeks. Also, customers temporarily lost access to Univision’s Spanish-language channels for about two months, which prompted concern from politicians of all parties.

As a big fan of having all my entertainment in one place, I’ve been checking out what YouTube’s offering. They’ve got this new Entertainment Plan – it’s pretty cool because it bundles in a lot of the big channels we all know, like FX, Hallmark, Comedy Central, and even HGTV and the Food Network. It usually costs $54.99 a month, but right now they’re offering an introductory price of $44.99, which is a sweet deal if you want a ton of content.

For $69.99 a month, or a special introductory price of $59.99, you can get a plan that includes news, entertainment, and channels for the whole family – like Disney Channel, Cartoon Network, and Nickelodeon.

Read More

2026-02-10 01:31