Fox and Google have reached a new carriage agreement that keeps Fox’s TV channels, including the Fox broadcast network, Fox News, and FS1, carried on YouTube TV, effectively avoiding a blackout as fans head into a weekend packed with football.
Details of the deal were not disclosed, but it covers Fox’s full lineup—broadcast, news, and sports—and ensures subscribers won’t miss Fox programming or live-action sports. YouTube TV said in a blog post that the agreement preserves the value of the service for subscribers and preserves access to more than 100 channels, including football, this weekend and beyond.
Fox had warned viewers earlier in the week that Fox channels could be pulled if a deal wasn’t reached, criticizing Google’s terms as out of step with the market. The back-and-forth came as FCC Chair Brendan Carr joined public pressure, urging a quick resolution.
The companies had extended a deadline that originally was set for 5 p.m. on Wednesday while they negotiated key points. In these negotiations, the timing was critical given two big football milestones: Saturday’s highly anticipated Ohio State–Texas game and the upcoming NFL season, both of which are typically pivotal leverage points in carriage talks.
Notably, YouTube TV recently announced a separate carriage deal with One America News Network starting in Q4, with Newsmax also accessible, highlighting a broader strategy to maintain a diverse lineup even as negotiations continue with major networks.
What this means for subscribers is straightforward: continued access to Fox channels on YouTube TV, ensuring live sports and important news remain streaming without interruption. The resolution also underscores the ongoing importance of sport and news programming in the streaming ecosystem, where platforms and networks frequently bargain over channel availability.
Summary: A new agreement keeps Fox’s channels on YouTube TV, averting a blackout just ahead of major football events. Terms weren’t disclosed, but the deal covers Fox’s broadcast, news, and sports properties, with both sides signaling a continued emphasis on reliable, broad access for viewers. The development comes amid broader carriage activity, including YouTube TV’s deal with OANN to secure conservative options. A positive takeaway for subscribers is the continuity of live sports and news as the TV landscape evolves.