US media giant NBCUniversal (NBCU) has agreed a long-awaited multi-year carriage agreement with internet heavyweight Google, centred on the YouTube video platform, ending protracted negotiations and avoiding a blackout.
This new ‘long-term’ agreement will ensure that NBCU’s range of channels, including sports content, remains available on the YouTube TV internet television service.
These channels include the primary NBC network, the Spanish-language Telemundo, and the sports-centric Golf Channel, among others.
It will also be expanded in the coming months to include NBC Sports Network, a new sports-focused channel set to be launched later in 2025 to complement the primary NBC network and better house the company’s burgeoning suite of rights.
Peacock, NBCU’s OTT service, will also become available on YouTube TV “over the coming months” via the Primetime Channels offering, while the Peacock app will continue to be available on Google mobile platforms.
Speaking on the announcement, YouTube vice president and global head of media and sport Justin Connolly commented: “This deal builds on our long-standing partnership with NBCU while addressing the evolving media landscape and recognizing the importance of making content available where and how viewers want to watch it.
“We are pleased to have reached this agreement and look forward to continuing our partnership to serve billions of viewers around the world.”
Matt Schnaars, NBCU president for platform distribution and partnerships, added: “Our new agreement with Google is a clear win for both our business and our viewers – underscoring the enduring value of our must-see shows, films, sports, and live events while expanding our reach to even more audiences.
“We’ve secured long-term access to our full portfolio of broadcast and cable networks on YouTube TV, and we’re advancing our Peacock strategy with an upcoming launch on YouTube Primetime Channels and ongoing presence on Google TV.
“This agreement positions us for continued growth and reflects our commitment to delivering exceptional entertainment to fans across platforms.”
Earlier this week, it was reported that the two had struck a short-term interim carriage agreement, as the previous negotiations had a deadline of September 30, which was ultimately passed.
NBCU's media rights portfolio includes properties such as American football's NFL, golf's PGA Tour and Ryder Cup, soccer's English Premier League, and basketball's NBA and WNBA, as well as the Olympic Games.
