Google’s YouTube TV and the Walt Disney Company had been in a dispute for about two weeks, during which millions of subscribers lost access to popular Disney channels, including ABC, ESPN, the Disney Channel, FX, and National Geographic.
Then on Nov. 14, both companies confirmed that they had reached an agreement and Disney-owned networks were restored on YouTube TV.
The dispute was centered around carriage fees, and during the blackout, YouTube TV began issuing eligible YouTube TV subscribers a $20 credit.
Meanwhile, the streaming giant continued to deliver good news for subscribers, and on Nov. 17, it became the first to launch a brand-new 24-hour linear channel, NBC Sports Network (NBCSN).
Featuring a wide range of marquee sporting events and programming from NBC Sports, NBCSN will be available exclusively through participating pay-TV distributors, launching first for all YouTube TV subscribers and soon on Xfinity, with other distributors to be announced at a later date, according to the press release.
YouTube TV continues to fight for its place among streaming giants, and its most recent move aims to attract new subscribers as well as provide existing ones with cheaper, more personalized streaming services.
YouTube TV will introduce new budget packages and ESPN Unlimited.
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YouTube TV rolling out new, cheaper TV packages and ESPN unlimited
YouTube TV announced plans for a more affordable premium streaming experience, starting early in 2026. This more generous offer comes at a time of fierce competition among streaming giants including Netflix, Disney +, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Sling TV, HBO Max, and more.
As consumer demand grows, the streaming companies are advancing their offerings to sustain old and obtain new subscribers.
YouTube TV, which boasts more than 9 million subscribers, according to Stream TV Insider, will introduce new budget packages, reported Cord Cutters News.
Per the report, YouTube TV will launch a dedicated sports-only package “priced aggressively to undercut traditional cable sports tiers.” The streamlined offering will greatly focus on major leagues and events.
YouTubeTV’s sports-focused tier will include:
- NFL
- NBA
- MLB
- NHL
Subscribers will be able to choose from smaller, cheaper channel bundles compared with the current base rate for major sports networks like ESPN, NBC Sports, and Fox Sports.
In addition to new personalized offers for sports fans, other specialized bundles will include entertainment-only and kids’ packages, allowing households to select the package based on their interests without paying for unwanted channels.
ESPN Unlimited goes beyond access to the app
YouTube TV and Disney’s new deal includes ESPN Unlimited access for YouTube TV base-plan subscribers that goes beyond just access to the app, writes WDW News Today.
According to the report that cites Awful Announcing and Cinemablend, ESPN Unlimited content will be available directly on YouTube TV by the end of 2026, meaning subscribers won’t have to switch back and forth between apps.
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With ESPN Unlimited, YouTube TV subscribers can access live games, highlights, and fantasy tools through the YouTube TV’s interface. The goal is “a unified app experience” enabling users to switch between linear broadcasts and on-demand clips without having to change apps.
The move comes as broadband expands in rural areas and economic pressures prompt consumers to seek ways to cut entertainment costs.
“With cheaper entry points, YouTube TV could onboard millions more viewers helping to make YouTube TV the largest provider of live TV in the United States, funneling traffic back to user-generated content on the main YouTube platform,” writes Luke Bouma for Cord Cutters News.
Bouma adds that advertisers will benefit from better targeted marketing.
Users suggest demand for personalized packages
One user on Reddit recently started a discussion suggesting something similar to what Disney plans to offer.
“YouTube TV should really consider launching optional genre packs, similar to what DirecTV Stream offers. For example, a ‘News Pack’ could bundle premium channels like CNN, CNBC, BBC World News, Bloomberg, and others for a small add-on price,” reads the thread started by user Gadget Freeky.
The users further highlighted that this would enable subscribers to better customize their experience. For example, sports fans could cut off news channels, while those interested in kids’ programs wouldn’t have to pay for a full premium bundle.
User GrouchySurprise3453 wrote “I agree. I wouldn’t mind the ability to customize my channel feed.”
The idea received 22 votes and about 80 comments, with many users expressing frustration with YouTube TV’s current bundling and hope for smaller, more flexible packages. Many are not optimistic that YouTube TV will actually launch something like that in a way that would benefit subscribers.
“Skinny or Genre bundles aren’t a great deal for the consumer relative to the bigger base packages unless you know that’s absolutely all you want. They definitely are not great as a business model. We are about as close as we are gonna get to à la carte and more people complain now than ever,” writes user bbmg69.
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