WWE SmackDown’s availability on YouTube TV is at risk due to a carriage dispute between the platform and NBCUniversal. If no agreement is reached by the September 30 deadline, subscribers could lose access to NBCU-owned channels, including USA Network and NBC.
The dispute centers on NBCUniversal’s streaming service, Peacock. YouTube TV has proposed integrating Peacock’s exclusive content directly into its interface, but NBCUniversal rejected the offers, reportedly viewing the proposed compensation as insufficient.
In a statement reported by Deadline, YouTube TV addressed the financial aspect of the negotiations. A spokesperson said: “NBCUniversal asking us to pay more than what they charge consumers for the same content on Peacock, which would mean less flexibility and higher prices for our subscribers. We are committed to working with NBCUniversal to reach a fair deal for both sides ahead of our current agreement expiring on September 30. If their content is unavailable for an extended period of time, we’ll offer our subscribers a $10 credit.”
The potential blackout would specifically impact SmackDown, which airs under the NBCUniversal umbrella. WWE’s Premium Live Events are unaffected, as they are now broadcast on ESPN.
Negotiations are still ongoing, but without a resolution before September 30, YouTube TV subscribers could lose access to one of WWE’s flagship weekly shows.