Click here to read the full article.
NBCUniversal is hoping Peacock will catch a huge updraft from a new bundling pact with Google’s YouTube.
Under a new multiyear agreement between NBCUniversal and YouTube, Peacock Premium (which includes ads) will be available
in a new YouTube Premium bundle in the U.S. beginning in early 2027. That will be in addition to the core YouTube Premium service, which currently costs $15.99/month and provides ad-free viewing on YouTube, the ability to play videos in the background, downloads for offline viewing, and access to YouTube Music
The price of the new YouTube Premium-Peacock bundle has yet to be announced. The deal marks Peacock’s largest wholesale distribution partnership to date, bringing the streamer to “millions of YouTube Premium subscribers in the U.S.,” according to NBCU. Financial terms of the deal aren’t being disclosed (and Google does not break out how many YouTube Premium subscribers it has).
Launched in July 2020, the Peacock streaming service turned its first-ever quarterly profit for Q2 2026. Peacock paid subscribers totaled 48 million as of the end of June, gaining 2 million net additions during the period.
The expanded deal between NBCU and Google includes other components, too. On the streaming front, it will expand the global reach of NBCU’s Universal+ and Hayu international streaming services through YouTube Premium in select markets.
In addition, it extends NBCUniversal’s multiyear distribution agreement with the YouTube TV pay-TV service, ensuring continued carriage of NBCU’s entertainment, sports and news channels. The companies most recently renewed the YouTube TV distribution pact in October 2025.
Also under the expanded deal, NBC Sports will serves as the production partner for select premier live sporting events on YouTube. Plus, a “selection of live sporting events” from NBCU will stream on NBC Sports’ YouTube channel for free, “bringing a sample of world-class games to millions of users on YouTube,” the companies said.
In addition, Peacock Premium (currently $10.99/month) will be available as a separate add-on subscription through YouTube Primetime Channels starting later this summer; Peacock Premium Plus ($16.99/month with limited ads) has been available via YouTube Primetime Channels since late June.
The companies’ agreement also calls for them to “deepen their longstanding advertising technology collaboration,” including through FreeWheel, to enhance advertising capabilities. Furthermore, the deal extends and expands the distribution and offerings of YouTube, YouTube TV and YouTube Premium on Comcast’s Xfinity and Xumo platforms.
Separately, Comcast has announced that it plans to spin off NBCUniversal (with the U.K.’s Sky) in a transaction expected to be completed in mid-2027. Mike Cavanagh, currently Comcast co-CEO, is set to become the CEO of the stand-alone NBCUniversal.
“This partnership brings NBCUniversal’s world-class content and iconic franchises to YouTube’s unmatched scale and global platforms,” Cavanagh said in a statement. “We’re excited to deepen our relationship with YouTube through a collaboration that reflects our strategy of partnering with industry leaders to drive sustained growth for NBCUniversal.”
YouTube CEO Neal Mohan commented: “We’re incredibly excited to expand our partnership with NBCUniversal to redefine what a modern entertainment subscription can be for consumers. YouTube Premium brings your favorite creators, artists and cultural moments together uninterrupted, and now, we’re pairing that ultimate viewing experience with Peacock’s expansive lineup of live sports like Sunday Night Football and the NBA, blockbuster Universal movies, and original series. This makes it easier than ever for our members to find and watch all the premium content they love, all in one place.”
Matt Strauss, chairman of NBCUniversal Media Group, added: “With this agreement, Peacock accelerates its next phase of growth by bringing the service to millions of YouTube Premium subscribers, driving long-term value for our business. Combined with our YouTube TV extension, this agreement opens the door to new ways for audiences to discover, access and deepen engagement with NBCUniversal’s industry-leading content wherever and however they choose to watch.”
“This partnership with NBCUniversal is a great example of how we can grow YouTube’s subscription business alongside our key partners,” said Mary Ellen Coe, YouTube’s chief business officer. “By bringing Peacock to YouTube Premium, we’re giving our members an incredible lineup of content while also connecting them to the creator ecosystem and cultural moments that fans can only find on YouTube. Together, we are expanding NBCU’s content presence on YouTube, building a sustainable growth engine for both of our companies, and collaborating across streaming distribution, advertising and live sports production.”
Pictured above: Peacock original series “Love Island USA”
