Prime Highlight
- YouTube TV will introduce over 10 genre-specific channel packages, allowing viewers to pay only for the content they want.
- The move is aimed at giving subscribers more control and flexibility over their TV experience while maintaining features like unlimited DVR and multiview.
Key Facts
- Packages will include dedicated sports, news, family, and entertainment bundles, with sports options featuring ESPN, FS1, NBC Sports Network, and add-ons like NFL Sunday Ticket.
- The new bundles are part of a shift away from the full base plan costing $82.99 per month, though exact pricing for the smaller packages has not yet been announced.
Background
YouTube TV will launch more than 10 genre-specific channel packages in early 2026, marking its first major shift away from the traditional cable-like bundle model. Google, which owns YouTube, announced the change on Wednesday, saying the move is designed to give customers more control over the content they pay for.
The new bundles aim to attract viewers who want specific programming without committing to the platform’s full base plan, which currently costs $82.99 per month. YouTube TV said the smaller plans will be cheaper, though the company has not yet revealed exact pricing.
The company will offer a dedicated sports package. The bundle will give viewers access to major broadcasters and sports networks, including FS1, NBC Sports Network, the full ESPN lineup, and ESPN Unlimited. Subscribers will also be able to add popular extras like NFL Sunday Ticket and RedZone.
Along with sports, YouTube TV confirmed that it will introduce news, family, and entertainment bundles. Despite the shift to smaller packages, users will still have access to features like unlimited DVR, multiview, key plays, and fantasy view.
Christian Oestlien, YouTube’s VP and head of subscriptions, said the update is meant to simplify TV viewing. In a blog post, he said that TV should be simple and put viewers in charge of what they watch, adding that the goal is to offer more ways to customize subscriptions.
The move comes as more TV providers roll out lower-cost, genre-focused streaming packages. DirecTV already offers sports, entertainment, and kids’ packs, while Fubo launched its own sports bundle earlier this year. Sling TV has long promoted à la carte-style packages as well.
With its new lineup, YouTube TV hopes to stay competitive by offering flexibility to viewers facing rising subscription costs and wanting more personalized content options.