YouTube TV will launch genre-based subscription plans in 2026

The Google-owned company announced on Wednesday that YouTube TV will launch more than 10 genre-specific channel packages in early 2026. The move will be the first time YouTube TV has unbundled its cable-like channel package.

The new bundles will give consumers more flexibility in what content they want to pay for.

The upcoming set of bundles includes one dedicated to sports which will include access to all major broadcast networks, as well as sports networks like FS1, NBC Sports Network, and all ESPN networks, plus ESPN Unlimited. Customers will be able to include add-ons like NFL Sunday Ticket and RedZone.

YouTube notes that users will still have access to popular features like unlimited DVR, multi-viewing, master playback, and fantasy viewing.

Although YouTube did not share the full list of upcoming packages, the company said that there will be news, family, and entertainment packages.

By adding genre-specific plans, YouTube TV is likely hoping to attract users who don’t want to pay the full price of $82.99 per month for content when they only want access to specific programming. Additionally, people who are tired of constantly rising prices may be inclined to stick with the service if they can shave a few dollars off their monthly subscription.

YouTube TV currently charges $82.99 per month for its basic plans, which include live and on-demand content from major broadcasters and networks. While the upcoming smaller packages will cost less than YouTube TV’s basic plan, the company did not provide details on pricing.

“TV should be easy, giving viewers more control over what they want to watch,” Christian Ostlin, vice president of subscriptions at YouTube, said in a blog post. “Our goal is to allow you to customize your subscription with more options. Whether you stick with the main YouTube TV plan with 100+ channels, focus on sports, combine sports and news, or select a plan focused on family and entertainment content, subscribers will easily be able to choose the plan that works best for them.”

The move comes as TV providers launch low-cost streaming packages focusing on specific genres.

For example, DirecTV offers “genre packages” for sports, entertainment, news, kids content, and more. In addition, Fubo launched a sports package in August. One of the older players in this space, Sling TV, has long advocated for a la carte packages as well.