YouTube TV announces new carriage deal with Paramount
YouTube TV announced Saturday night it had reached a new, multiyear carriage agreement with Paramount Global to continue carrying channels like CBS, CBS Sports Network, or Nickelodeon.
The new deal comes days after the previous pact expired. Both sides warned customers of looming blackouts across 23 different networks before a temporary extension was agreed to. Now, a permanent deal is in place that also grants YouTube TV the right to bundle Paramount+, a subscription-based streaming service, to “qualifying” customers.
Madness has prevailed.
Sports-inclined subscribers rely on CBS and other Paramount channels to carry every game of the NCAA Tournament (which begins March 18) and the Masters (April 10-13).
“Members, we’re happy to share that we’ve reached a deal to continue carrying Paramount content on YouTube TV. That means you still have access to channels like CBS, CBS Sports, and Nickelodeon,” the service said in a statement on social media. “With this agreement, YouTube TV will continue to offer 100+ channels, while enabling more user choice in the future. Thank you again for your patience, and as always, we appreciate your membership.”
Saturday night’s announcement should put minds at ease for sports fans across the country. The NCAA Tournament is roughly a month away. Selection Sunday takes place on March 16 on CBS. The First Four in Dayton runs March 18-19. On March 20, first-round action begins across the country and around-the-clock basketball takes over.