YouTube TV and Fox Enter Carriage Dispute, Risking Channel Blackout

Date: August 25, 2025

In a rapidly unfolding carriage dispute, Fox Corporation has issued warnings to YouTube TV subscribers that its broadcast network, cable news and sports channels-including Fox News, FS1 and local Fox stations-could be removed from Google’s live-TV service as soon as this Wednesday, August 27, at 5:00 PM ET, unless both parties reach a new distribution agreement immediately.

Fox began notifying its viewers on Monday that its channels may go dark, directing them to its KeepFox.com portal to learn more about the negotiations and voicing frustration that Google “continues to leverage its considerable power by suggesting terms that do not align with industry standards”. The warning encompasses Fox’s broadcast network, Fox News, Fox Business, Fox Deportes, Fox Score Plus, Fox Soul, and affiliated local stations in major markets.

YouTube TV responded on its official blog, confirming that its existing contract with Fox is “approaching its renewal date” and that both sides are in “active and ongoing negotiations to continue carrying their content.” YouTube emphasized its aim “to reach a deal that reflects the value of [Fox’s] content and is fair for both sides without passing on additional costs to our subscribers”. The service warned that, should the channels become unavailable for an extended period, subscribers would receive a $10 credit and could turn to Fox’s direct-to-consumer service, Fox One, to regain access.

Variety reports that YouTube TV’s notice to subscribers underscores the inclusion of Fox Sports 1, Fox Sports 2, the Big Ten Network and Fox’s local affiliates among the at-risk channels. If no agreement is reached by the deadline, content saved in subscribers’ libraries would also become inaccessible. YouTube TV has roughly 9.4 million subscribers, making the potential blackout one of the most consequential carriage disputes in recent years, especially as the new college football and NFL seasons kick off within the next fortnight.

Negotiations come just days after Fox launched its own streaming service, Fox One, allowing viewers to subscribe directly to its news and entertainment channels for $20 per month. Analysts note that Fox may be willing to endure a short blackout to pressure Google for higher carriage fees, though both sides have historically finalized deals at the eleventh hour to avoid subscriber backlash.

With the August 27 deadline looming, fans of news, sports and local programming on YouTube TV await a resolution that preserves their access-or prepares to explore alternative platforms and streaming add-ons.