YouTube TV Unbundles Channels with 10+ Genre-Specific Plans in 2026

The company announced on Wednesday that YouTube TV will launch more than 10 genre-specific channel packages in early 2026, marking the first time the Google-owned service breaks up its cable-like channel bundle. This move is expected to give consumers more flexibility over the content they want to pay for. The upcoming lineup of bundles includes one dedicated to sports that will include access to all the major broadcasters, as well as sports networks like FS1, NBC Sports Network, all of the ESPN networks, and ESPN Unlimited. Customers will be able to include add-ons like NFL Sunday Ticket and RedZone. YouTube notes that users will still get access to popular features like unlimited DVR, multiview, key plays, and fantasy view. According to a statement from YouTube, the new genre-specific plans will allow users to choose the content they want to pay for, rather than being forced to subscribe to a comprehensive bundle. This change is likely an attempt to attract users who do not want to pay the full $82.99 per month price for content when they only want to access specific programming. Additionally, people who are tired of continuous price hikes may be more inclined to stay with the service if they can choose the channels they want. The move is seen as a response to the growing trend of streaming services offering à la carte options. YouTube TV's decision to break up its channel bundle is a significant shift in the way the service operates, and it is likely to have a major impact on the streaming industry as a whole. The company's announcement has been met with excitement from consumers who are looking for more flexibility in their streaming options. Industry analysts have praised YouTube's decision to offer genre-specific plans, citing the growing demand for streaming services that offer à la carte options. "This is a major step forward for YouTube TV," said one analyst. "By offering users the ability to choose the content they want to pay for, the service is making itself more competitive in a crowded market." YouTube TV's new genre-specific plans are set to launch in early 2026, with the company promising to provide more information on the specific bundles and pricing in the coming months. The move is expected to have a significant impact on the streaming industry, and it will be interesting to see how other services respond to YouTube's decision.