As of early 2026, Fubo TV continues to grapple with a significant blackout impacting over 40 NBCUniversal networks. This includes all local NBC stations and Telemundo affiliates, alongside major channels like Bravo, USA Network, and key NBC Sports networks. The dispute has left millions of subscribers without access to critical live sports, news, and entertainment just weeks before Super Bowl LX, which is being broadcast exclusively on NBC. Despite ongoing negotiations, no resolution appears imminent, leaving affected viewers scrambling to find alternative ways to watch their favorite programming during this high-stakes period. The impasse highlights the complexities of media rights negotiations in the streaming era, where viewers often bear the brunt of corporate disputes.
The Nature of the Dispute Between Fubo and NBCUniversal
Background and Key Issues
The conflict traces back to negotiations that stalled in late 2025, specifically starting on November 21. Fubo alleges that NBCUniversal is demanding excessive fees and is pushing for long-term commitments that include favorable terms for its newer networks spun off into Versant, a separate entity. NBCU’s stance is that Fubo is requesting unfair prices and is unwilling to accept their latest terms, which include restrictions on Peacock integration. These negotiations concern how the networks are bundled, priced, and distributed, with both sides showing no signs of compromise.
Fubo has publicly criticized NBCU, accusing the media giant of unreasonably demanding higher rates than competitors, and of attempting to force contractual commitments tied to the upcoming Versant spinoff. The streaming service also launched a “Transparency Center” aimed at informing subscribers about the dispute, and has pledged a $15 credit to impacted users—though this hardly compensates for the loss of live content. To offset the inconvenience, Fubo has even reduced prices on some of its plans, but access to the most important live events, especially the Super Bowl, remains unavailable.
NBCUniversal, for their part, dismisses these claims as misleading and insists that their negotiating tactics are fair and standard within the industry. A spokesperson emphasized that NBCU is committed to fair negotiations and remains open to reaching an agreement. Meanwhile, the debate plays out publicly as both companies exchange statements and accusations, with the deadline for the Super Bowl approaching and no resolution on the horizon.
Storm for Subscribers: What’s Missing and What It Means
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Since the blackout began, viewers relying on Fubo have missed out on a broad array of programming, including major sporting events, holiday specials, and local news. The absence of NBCU channels means that over a million Fubo customers are now unable to watch marquee broadcasts like college football bowl games, NBA and NFL games—including Sunday Night Football—and various live event coverage crucial to the winter sports season. In addition, hundreds of thousands are missing local news broadcasts, parade coverage, and seasonal programming, creating a significant disruption during a busy time of year.
This blackout’s impact extends beyond sports. Popular shows, entertainment programming, and scheduled news coverage are all inaccessible unless viewers find alternatives. It’s a significant frustration for those who depend heavily on live broadcasts for their entertainment and information needs. With the Super Bowl just weeks away, the stakes are especially high.
Who Offers What in Light of the NBCU Blackout?
Despite the ongoing dispute, viewers seeking to continue watching NBCUniversal content have several options, each with its own strengths and limitations. Some of these alternatives include standalone streaming platforms and traditional cable replacements that carry NBC and other NBCU networks.
Peacock: The Direct Route to NBCUniversal Content
- Starting Price: $7.99 per month; often bundled with Walmart+ at $98 for a year.
- Features: The Peacock app provides access to the full NBCUniversal library, including local NBC broadcasts, sports, and over 80,000 hours of on-demand movies, shows, and original content. The platform offers three subscription tiers: Peacock Select ($7.99), Peacock Premium ($10.99), and Peacock Premium Plus ($16.99). The latter includes live local NBC feeds, making it a powerful alternative for cord-cutters.
- Best For: Viewers who prioritize on-demand movies, original programming, and live sports, without the need for cable or satellite subscriptions.
DirecTV: Wide Channel Selection & Reliable Local Access
- Starting Price: Approximately $19.99 per month for genre packs; $84.99 for the first month of the Signature Streaming Package, with subsequent months at $89.99.
- Features: DIRECTV provides a comprehensive lineup that includes all major NBC channels and regional sports networks (RSNs). It offers bundles that include Disney+ and Hulu, giving broadband viewers access to a wide array of on-demand content. Its cable-like package features over 150 channels, along with an unlimited DVR to record live shows and sports.
- Best For: Those seeking dependable local channel access, sports coverage, and an extensive channel lineup that mimics traditional cable services.
YouTube TV: Simplicity and Extensive Live Channels
- Starting Price: $62.99 for the first five months; after that, $82.99 per month. A free trial is available.
- Features: The platform offers over 100 live channels, including all major NBCU networks like NBC local stations, Bravo, USA Network, and Golf Channel. YouTube TV also includes unlimited cloud DVR, multi-view options, and premium add-ons for enhanced customization, providing a flexible and user-friendly viewing experience.
- Best For: Viewers who want a straightforward interface with a broad selection of channels and advanced features.
Hulu + Live TV: Good for Disney and NBCBundled Content
- Starting Price: $89.99 per month; includes a three-day free trial.
- Features: Hulu + Live TV streams more than 95 live channels, including NBC, MSNBC, USA Network, Bravo, and the Golf Channel. It also provides access to Disney+ and ESPN, along with extensive on-demand libraries. Unlimited DVR makes it easy to record shows and sports events for later viewing, making it a popular choice for families and sports fans alike.
- Best For: Subscribers who want live NBCU programming alongside Disney content, all in one package.
Sling TV: A Flexible, Cost-Effective Option
- Starting Price: Ranges from $1 (Day Pass) to $115 for a three-month prepay; initial offers include half-off the first month for Sling Orange & Blue combined.
- Features: Sling offers NBC in select markets and features a variety of channel packs and customizable packages. Its flexible plans include E!, Bravo, CNBC, and local channels, with 50 hours of DVR included. Additional DVR storage can be added for an extra fee, making Sling a good pick for budget-conscious viewers who need lighter channel access.
- Best For: Cost-sensitive users seeking a customizable and lighter live TV package with selective NBCU channels.
Which Networks Are Currently Blacked Out on Fubo?
The ongoing blackout impacts over 40 NBCUniversal networks, leaving subscribers without access to many popular shows, live sports, and news. Depending on the local market, the affected channels include:
- Bravo, NBC, CNBC, CNBC World, MSNBC
- Dateline, Oxygen, E!, and Telemundo
- Golf Channel, USA Network, Universal Movies
- Regional Sports Networks (RSNs) like NBC Sports Bay Area, Philadelphia, California, and others
- Various local NBC affiliates and streaming options like NBC NOW
The list underscores how extensive the blackout is, impacting everything from entertainment and lifestyle programming to urgent local news and regional sports coverage. Viewers watching these networks are left with limited options unless they turn to other streaming services or traditional TV methods.
Finding Alternatives if Fubo and NBCU Disagree
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If the two sides cannot find common ground soon, viewers are not without options. Several streaming services continue to offer access to NBCU content either directly or through bundled packages. These alternatives range from specialty streaming apps to traditional cable replacements.
- Peacock: a comprehensive platform with live local NBC, on-demand content, and exclusive originals. Available for as low as $7.99/month, or bundled with Walmart+ for better savings.
- Hulu + Live TV and YouTube TV: both provide full access to NBC, regional sports, and a host of other channels, along with features like unlimited DVR.
- DirecTV: offers a more traditional cable-like experience, with a wide channel lineup and dependable local channel access.
- Sling TV: a budget-friendly, customizable choice for lighter viewers seeking NBC or select channels at lower prices.
In addition, viewers can rely on over-the-air antennas, which often allow free access to local NBC affiliates in most markets—an effective and inexpensive way to bypass cable and streaming disputes altogether.
Final Thoughts
As negotiations between Fubo and NBCUniversal remain unresolved in early 2026, affected viewers face inconvenience and uncertainty. While alternatives like Peacock, Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, and DirecTV continue to carry NBCU networks, many rely on traditional over-the-air antennas to fill the gap. The ongoing dispute underscores the fragility of live TV content rights, especially when streaming becomes central to viewers’ entertainment experiences. For now, subscribers must decide whether to wait for a resolution or explore these alternatives to ensure they don’t miss critical broadcasts during one of the year’s most exciting sporting events — Super Bowl LX.
