This would allow sports fans to pay only for packages like ESPN and the like, or allow non-sports fans to avoid those expensive carriage fees by getting a package tailored for news or entertainment content.
This change, expected in early 2026, is in response to similar strategies recently implemented by competitors including Sling TV and DIRECTV.
YouTube TV announced that it will have more than 10 customizable packages starting in 2026. But the headliner of this announcement is a style package specially designed for sports fans.
The aptly named “Sports Plan” YouTube TV says this package will include several major sports channels and add-on options:
“The Sports Plan will give fans access to all major broadcasters as well as sports networks such as FS1, NBC Sports Network, all ESPN networks, as well as ESPN Unlimited. Subscribers can include add-ons like NFL Sunday Ticket and RedZone, and keep all fan-favorite features including unlimited DVR, Multiview, Key Play and Fantasy View.”
Pricing details for the game plan have not been released yet.
But we can use some competing products available in the market to estimate the potential monthly cost.
DIRECTV’s “MySports” package costs $69.99 per month and includes all of the channels mentioned in the YouTube TV announcement, including an ESPN Unlimited subscription. Additionally, it features access to league-specific networks such as NFL Network, MLB Network, and NHL Network. This also includes Turner networks such as TNT and TBS, which also air sports. You can read more about this offer here.
Meanwhile, some sports fans are already saving money by bundling the ESPN Unlimited package with the Fox One package for $39.99 per month. It offers access to all of the ESPN channels mentioned above, as well as Fox Sports channels and the Big Ten Network.
My best guess is that the YouTube TV “Sports Plan” will probably cost between $60-$70 per month.
This may not seem like a huge discount, but it can add up to a modest savings over the course of a year if you’re not watching any other channels on the full YouTube TV package.
This article was written by Nick Cole and originally published on Clark.com.
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