YouTube introduces budget-friendly TV packages in US

CALIFORNIA: YouTube is performing some digital surgery on the traditional cable bundle, carving out smaller, cheaper packages for viewers who are tired of paying for channels they never watch. According to a report by Bloomberg, the tech titan is set to launch a range of skinny bundles, including a dedicated sports plan priced at $65 per month.

For those who live for the weekend whistle but couldn’t care less about reality TV, the new sports-only tier offers a significant win. At $65, it sits roughly 22 per cent cheaper than the standard $83 YouTube TV everything buffet.

This plan isn’t just a rehash of old cable; it will blend major broadcast networks with select sports content that was once the exclusive territory of niche streaming platforms. And this isn’t just a one-off play for the stadium crowd. YouTube is reportedly prepping more than 10 different bundles themed around:
Live sports: The heavy hitters and broadcast staples.
Breaking news: For the headline junkies.
Entertainment: Strictly for the drama and comedy fans.
YouTube CEO Neal Mohan took to X to champion the move, stating that the new structure is designed to give consumers more “choice and control” over their screens.

Traditionally, media moguls have guarded the big bundle like a dragon guarding gold. They preferred forcing viewers to buy a hundred channels just to get the five they actually wanted. However, the tide is turning. According to research firm MoffettNathanson, traditional TV companies have lost more than 30 million customers over the last 10 years.

YouTube TV has been the primary beneficiary of this exodus, now boasting more than 10 million subscribers. This makes it the third-largest TV distributor in the US, trailing only behind industry veterans Charter and Comcast.

While YouTube is famous for its free cat videos, its paid-for side is becoming a financial powerhouse. According to the company, subscription revenue (including YouTube Premium) now rakes in roughly $20 billion annually. When you add the advertising juggernaut into the mix, the total video business is worth upwards of $60 billion.

By offering more targeted, affordable bundles, YouTube is not only catering to niche audiences but also accelerating the shift away from bloated cable packages. With a growing subscriber base and a rapidly expanding paid ecosystem, the company is positioning itself as a dominant force in the evolving TV landscape, proving that even in the age of cat videos, YouTube knows how to play the game when it comes to serious entertainment and sports.