Peacock YouTube Premium deal will put NBCUniversal streaming inside YouTube
NBCUniversal and YouTube agreed to add Peacock to U.S. YouTube Premium subscriptions starting in early 2027.
By Sofia Marchetti · World Affairs Correspondent
3 min read
NBCUniversal and YouTube have struck a multiyear Peacock YouTube Premium deal that will bring the streaming service into YouTube for U.S. Premium subscribers starting in early 2027, CNBC reported. The agreement matters because it puts NBCUniversal’s programming directly inside one of the largest video platforms, rather than requiring viewers to open a separate Peacock app.
CNBC reported that the arrangement will include Peacock’s full catalog for YouTube Premium subscribers in the United States. That covers NBC Sports programming such as the NFL and NBA, Universal movies including the Minions franchise, and Peacock and Bravo shows including the Real Housewives franchise and “Love Island USA.”
What does the Peacock YouTube Premium deal include?
The deal means Peacock content will be available within YouTube for eligible U.S. Premium subscribers, according to CNBC. YouTube Premium is YouTube’s paid subscription product, offering ad-free viewing and, depending on the tier, downloads of most videos.
The companies are going beyond a typical streaming bundle, CNBC reported. Peacock programming will live inside YouTube, so subscribers will not need to leave the platform to watch it.
CNBC, citing a person familiar with the matter, reported that the talks began after Comcast co-CEO Brian Roberts contacted YouTube CEO Neal Mohan about nine months ago. After executive teams met at Google offices, the companies began discussing possible partnerships, according to that person.
Why NBCUniversal and YouTube are teaming up
The agreement comes as traditional media companies look for new ways to grow streaming revenue while technology platforms take more viewing time. CNBC noted that NBCUniversal, Warner Bros. Discovery and Disney have been seeking business initiatives aimed at improving revenue and profitability as consumer habits shift away from pay-TV bundles.
The broader media business has been changing through deals and restructurings. CNBC reported that Paramount Skydance has agreed to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery, Fox has reached a deal to buy Roku, and Comcast is preparing to spin off NBCUniversal in the next year.
YouTube brings a large subscription base to the agreement. According to YouTube’s subscription page, cited by CNBC, the platform has more than 125 million Premium members worldwide.
Peacock has also grown its paying base. NBCUniversal reported last week, according to CNBC, that Peacock had 48 million paying subscribers as of June 30 and became profitable for the first time in the most recent quarter.
On Comcast’s earnings call, co-CEO Mike Cavanagh said he expects Peacock to stay profitable on an annual basis in the future, while quarterly results may vary, CNBC reported. Cavanagh is set to become CEO of the NBCUniversal business after the separation.
The Monday announcement also extends NBCUniversal’s multiyear distribution agreement with YouTube TV, YouTube’s streaming-only TV bundle, CNBC reported. It also continues distribution of YouTube, YouTube TV and Premium on Comcast’s Xfinity cable TV and Xumo platforms.
The companies will also expand their advertising relationship, according to CNBC. The arrangement will allow NBCUniversal to sell advertising tied to Peacock content on YouTube, at a time when advertising has become a major part of streaming growth for media companies.
This story draws on original reporting from CNBC.