I was excited when I heard about YouTubeTV’s updated pricing plans.
I don’t subscribe to YouTube TV for anything other than sports, so a slimmed-down sports plan at a lower price is absolutely a package I’d jump at.
On paper, it makes sense for YouTube TV to break out its service into smaller, à la carte packages for users who don’t care about getting all the channels.
Unfortunately, YouTube TV’s new plans highlight a bigger problem for sports fans who cut the cord in 2026.
Even with improved packages and flexibility, I’m paying more than ever to watch all the games I used to get through a DirecTV plan, and there’s no relief in sight.
Here’s what YouTube TV is offering sports fans
At least we’re saving some money
I currently pay $83 a month for YouTube TV, so it’s a no-brainer for me to save a few bucks.
It’s not life-changing money, but any chance to help dull the sting of what I pay for streaming services is welcomed.
If you’re a new customer, you can get the sports package for $55 for the first year, which is a decent deal.
Current customers, like me, will pay $65 a month for the new plan. It’s still an $18 dollar savings, and I was getting zero value from the other channels being offered that weren’t sports-related.
I was a bit apprehensive when I first read the announcement, but it turns out that the sports channel selection is comprehensive.
YouTube includes the four major networks: ABC, NBC, CBS, and FOX. Those will get you through much of the NFL season, in addition to plenty of nationally broadcast NBA games.
As a racing fan, I was pleased to see FS1 and FS2 included, in addition to the Golf Channel.
I was a little bummed that the Tennis Channel isn’t included in the sports package, but I’m willing to live with it for nearly $20 in monthly savings — especially since every ESPN network is available.
Sports leagues aren’t making it easy
It’s an uphill battle for sports fans
Credit: Roku
In an effort to grow revenue, sports leagues signed deals with any streaming service that threw money at them. It’s nearly impossible to watch all the games for your favorite team with only one service, and it’s disappointing.
The NFL is particularly egregious. The NFL Sunday Ticket package through YouTube is mind-numbingly expensive. And you still need Amazon, Peacock, and Netflix subscriptions if you want to watch every game.
I signed up for a Peacock subscription years ago to watch my Miami Dolphins get crushed in the playoffs, and it’s been a sore point ever since.
If you’re an F1 fan, you’ll need an Apple TV subscription to watch your favorite drivers and teams this year.
The NBA is equally frustrating. Sure, there are plenty of games on NBC and ESPN, but there’s also a Peacock exclusive national game on Tuesday nights, and don’t forget the Prime Video games.
Baseball fans aren’t any better off, and the list goes on.
Cutting the cord wound up costing me more
It seems unavoidable
When I left DirecTV years ago, I was excited to save some money. My bill had bloated, and I felt there was a better way.
YouTube TV worked out initially because I was only paying $50 a month, and I didn’t need a host of other streaming services on top of that.
I could pick and choose, making sure I was staying within budget and only with stuff I’d watch — precisely how I thought it was supposed to work.
Unfortunately, that didn’t last long. YouTube TV creeped up to the price it’s at now, and other streaming services followed suit.
When sports leagues spread their games out across so many services, it was hopeless.
I’m paying more than I would for a base cable package with a few sports networks now, and I still need the streaming services anyway.
We were naive to think companies wouldn’t eventually find a way to get their money. No way would they just let us run off and save by cutting the cord. It took a bit, but I’m back where I started.
I wish there were light at the end of the tunnel
Being a sports fan is expensive in 2026. Unfortunately, there’s no relief in sight. I can only see prices going up, not down.
And I’m sure there are still ways for professional leagues to sign rights deals that make it even more complicated to watch our favorite teams.
It seems almost inevitable now, looking back, but cutting the cord was always going to wind up costing more — especially if you just want to watch a little football.
