YouTube TV is launching more than 10 genre-specific channel packages in early 2026, the Google-owned company announced on Wednesday. The move will mark the first time YouTube TV breaks up its cable-like channel bundle.
The new packages will give consumers more flexibility over the content that they want to pay for.
The upcoming lineup of bundles includes one dedicated to sports that will include access to all the major broadcasters, as well as sports networks like FS1, NBC Sports Network, all of the ESPN networks, as well as ESPN Unlimited. Customers will be able to include add-ons like NFL Sunday Ticket and RedZone.
YouTube notes that users will still get access to popular features like unlimited DVR, multiview, key plays, and fantasy view.
Although YouTube didn’t share the full list of upcoming bundles, the company said there will be news, family, and entertainment packages.
By adding genre-specific plans, YouTube TV likely hopes to attract users who don’t want to pay the full $82.99 per month price for content when they only want to access specific programming. Additionally, people who are tired of continuous price hikes may be more inclined to stay with the service if they can shave some dollars off of their monthly subscription.
YouTube TV currently charges $82.99 per month for its base plans, which include live and on-demand content from major broadcasters and networks. While the upcoming smaller bundles will cost less than YouTube TV’s base plan, the company hasn’t detailed pricing.
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“TV should be easy, giving viewers greater control over what they want to watch,” said Christian Oestlien, YouTube VP, head of subscriptions, in a blog post. “Our goal is to let you tailor your subscription with more options. Whether you stick with our main YouTube TV plan with 100+ channels, focus on sports, combine sports and news, or select a plan centered on family and entertainment content, subscribers will be able to easily choose the plan that works best for them.”
The move comes as TV providers have launched lower-cost streaming packages that focus on specific genres.
For example, DirecTV offers “genre packs” for sports, entertainment, news, kids’ content, and more. Plus, Fubo TV launched a sports package in August. An older player in the space, Sling TV, has long advocated for a la carte bundles, too.
