YouTube TV to introduce genre-based subscription bundles in 2026
Subscribers will soon be able to pay only for the channels they actually watch, giving them more control over their streaming costs.
If you have ever looked at your YouTube TV bill and wondered why you are paying for channels you never watch, relief is on the way. In early 2026, YouTube will let subscribers choose genre-specific bundles instead of paying $82.99 for the full monthly package.
The first bundle to roll out will focus on sports. It'll include major broadcasters and popular networks like FS1, NBC Sports Network, all ESPN channels and ESPN Unlimited. Subscribers will still get the features YouTube TV is known for, such as unlimited DVR, multiview, key plays and fantasy view, while optional add-ons like NFL Sunday Ticket and RedZone give sports fans more ways to customise their game day experience.
News, family and entertainment bundles are expected to follow. The idea is simple. Let viewers pay only for the content they actually watch. Someone who mainly wants daily news or kid-friendly programming will no longer need to subsidise channels they never open.
Louis Eriakha
This move also brings YouTube TV in line with competitors like DirecTV, Sling TV and Fubo, which already offer more flexible or genre-based plans. With streaming costs rising and subscription fatigue growing, giving people more control could make YouTube TV more appealing to both current and potential users.
Meanwhile, the full plan with more than 100 channels will still exist for those who want everything. The smaller bundles will cost less than the current $82.99 base plan, though YouTube hasn't shared exact prices yet. People will be able to combine bundles to match their viewing habits, such as pairing sports and news or choosing a family-focused mix.
"TV should be easy and give viewers control over what they want to watch," said Christian Oestlien, YouTube VP and head of subscriptions. "Our goal is to let people tailor their subscription with more options."
The takeaway
This shift isn't just about saving money. It's a sign of how streaming is moving toward more personalised, interest-driven plans. For viewers, it means paying for what they actually watch. For YouTube TV, it is a chance to stay competitive and reduce churn in a crowded market.
Emmanuel Umahi
