Genre-only channel bundle subscriptions are coming to YouTube TV, one of the best streaming services, in 2026. The streaming platform plans to launch more than 10 subscription options next year, including one focused on sports.
The move was announced via a blog post by Christian Oestlien, YTTV’s vice president and head of subscriptions. Oestlien highlighted a YouTube TV Sports Plan with access to major broadcasts and sports networks like FS1, NBC Sports, and all ESPN channels. You’ll be able to select NFL Sunday Ticket and NFL RedZone as add-ons.
“Our goal is to let you tailor your subscription with more options,” Oestlein wrote. He hinted at the types of genre packages that might be coming, including combined sports and news bundles or a plan focused on family and entertainment content.
Thank Disney
The announcement comes a little less than a month after Google and Disney resolved a lengthy, contentious two-week network carriage contract negotiation. That mid-November blackout frustrated sports fans in the middle of football season and just as the NBA and college basketball seasons were spinning up.
In Disney’s announcement of the multiyear distribution agreement with Google, the company included a curious line: “Select networks to be included in various genre-specific packages.” The media giant described this as a key element of the agreement.
“This new agreement reflects our continued commitment to delivering exceptional entertainment and evolving with how audiences choose to watch,’’ said Disney Entertainment Co-Chairmen Alan Bergman and Dana Walden, and ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro said at the time.
Select networks to be included in various genre-specific packages.
Key element of Disney agreeing to YouTube TV deal
Earlier this year, 9to5Google reported that YouTube TV was exploring a Sports & Broadcast package as part of negotiations with Fox. At the time, that bundle would have only included Fox-owned channels like FS1 and Fox News.
It’s a curious reversal from Disney, which sued Sling TV over its Day Passes, which offer live channels for a day, weekend or channel over a monthly subscription. Sling recently won an injunction in that case.
That said, Disney appears comfortable with DirecTV’s Genre Packs, which include Disney-owned channels, as does Fubo.
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