In the latest carriage dispute threat, YouTube TV subscribers could lose access to NBC channels. If the details are correct, the networks could be dropped from the YouTube TV lineup next Tuesday (September 30, 2025).
Key Takeaways
- YouTube TV subscribers may lose access to the NBC suite of channels (and Univision) on September 30 due to unresolved contract disputes.
- YouTube is reportedly pushing back against NBCUniversal over Peacock’s pricing, arguing it undermines the value of traditional cable bundles.
- YouTube TV appears to be adopting a tougher stance in carriage talks, potentially signaling a shift in power dynamics within the industry.
The details on this new dispute come from CNBC’s Alex Sherman. According to the report, and citing “people familiar with the matter,” NBC channels could go dark on YouTube TV at the end of this month – when the current agreement between the two ends.
The report also suggests that a major factor in the dispute is Peacock. YouTube is apparently less than happy about the pricing of Peacock and how it devalues the network’s cable bundle.
Adding to this, the report points to YouTube as wanting lower rates for NBCU’s networks in general, to better reflect its status within the live TV market.
YouTube TV is currently the leading live TV streaming service with more than eight million subscribers at last count.
Speaking of the number of subscribers, and reinforcing YouTube TV’s position as a market leader, the report suggests the actual number is now closer to 10 million.
Generally speaking, the report alludes to YouTube TV as now beginning to take more of a hardline in negotiations, and this would seem to tally with another YouTube TV dispute that’s currently happening.
Also on September 30, YouTube TV base plan subscribers could lose access to Univision.
TelevisaUnivision has been very open recently about struggling to agree a new YouTube TV deal, even publishing an open letter yesterday urging Google to ‘do the right thing’ and not force Hispanic viewers to pay an “Hispanic tax” to access Univision.
If both of these disputes follow through as currently suggested, next week could be a big week for YouTube TV, with subscribers potentially losing access to both NBC channels and Univision on the same day.
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