YouTube and Fox Reach Last-Minute Deal, Preserving Access to Fox Channels for Millions of Subscribers.

YouTube has reached an agreement with Fox, ensuring access to Fox channels for YouTube TV subscribers. The deal avoids a potential blackout that would have affected millions of subscribers during a packed NFL weekend. The agreement follows tense negotiations and regulatory pressure from the FCC, with analysts maintaining a Moderate Buy consensus rating on Google shares.

YouTube has reached an agreement with Fox, ensuring that YouTube TV subscribers will retain access to Fox channels, including Fox News and Fox Sports. The deal, announced on August 29, 2025, comes just in time for the packed NFL weekend and avoids a potential blackout that would have affected millions of subscribers [1]. The agreement follows tense negotiations and warnings of a blackout, which drew attention from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman, Brendan Carr.

The negotiations between Google and Fox have been characterized by a dispute over the payout for Fox's content. Google has maintained that Fox is asking for payments that are far higher than those received by comparable content providers [2]. Fox, on the other hand, has alleged that Google is using its market power to pressure them into unfavorable terms [2].

Despite the tense negotiations, Google and Fox have now reached a deal, ensuring that Fox content remains available on YouTube TV. This agreement is a relief for subscribers who rely on the platform for their sports and news content. The deal comes as a positive sign for Google's stock, which has a Moderate Buy consensus rating and an average price target of $216.97 per share, implying a 2.52% upside potential [3].

YouTube TV pays broadcasters such as Fox to stream their channels and has roughly 9.4 million subscribers. In addition to American football, Fox hosts Major League Baseball games, as well as the World Series, which is scheduled to start in late October. The base plan for YouTube TV costs $82.99 per month and includes over 100 live channels.

The agreement includes a short-term extension and a new long-term deal, securing the availability of Fox channels on YouTube TV [1]. Fox channels threatened to be removed from the service if a new agreement was not reached by 5 p.m. Wednesday, August 27 [2]. The threat of a blackout had raised concerns among Ohio State fans, particularly regarding the upcoming game against Texas on Saturday, August 30 [1].

References:
[1] https://www.elevenwarriors.com/ohio-state-football/2025/08/157522/youtube-tv-fox-reach-short-term-extension-to-avoid-ohio-state-vs-texas-blackout
[2] https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/youtube-tv-remove-fox-channels-153139833.html
[3] https://www.marketwatch.com/investing/stock/goog/