YouTube TV subscribers have now lost access to MLB Network in what is the latest dispute between a live TV streaming service and a channel owner. In general, YouTube TV is a good option for live TV, and has particularly proven to be a popular option with sports fans. As a result, the loss of a channel like MLB Network is likely to be an issue for some subscribers.
YouTube TV has now started emailing subscribers to advise of the change by confirming that MLB Network has been removed from the channel lineup. The email goes on to explain that the channel was removed today, January 31, 2023, and as a result of YouTube and MLB Network unable to agree a new deal.
As is always the case with these situations, the dropping of MLB Network not only results in the removal of the live channel but also any on demand content. Existing subscribers should also note that they will also lose access to any MLB Network recordings they may have made in the past.
While YouTube does say that it plans to “continue conversations with the MLB”, the general message here does seem to be that the channel is gone, and is highly likely to remain unavailable.
In a bid to reassure MLB fans that it is worth keeping their subscription, YouTube TV also explains that national MLB games can still be watched on Fox, ESPN, and TBS. All three are available through the standard Base Plan, priced at $64.99 per month.
For those considering signing up to YouTube TV, MLB Network has already been removed from the advertised channel lineup.
If a home really wants to maintain access to MLB Network, and is wiling to switch live TV services, then the cheapest option is going to be Sling TV. MLB Network isn’t actually included with either Sling TV base plan but can be added to Sling Orange or Sling Blue through the $11 per month Sports Extra add-on. Otherwise, the only other real option is DirecTV Stream’s Choice plan. However, with Choice priced at $99.99 per month, DirecTV Stream is not only significantly more expensive than Sling TV but YouTube TV as well.
