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YouTube TV and Paramount have reached a deal that will keep CBS, CBS Sports Network and other channels on the streamer — at least for now.
The deal was termed as a “short-term extension” in an announcement made by YouTube TV late Thursday night. There was an 11 p.m. ET deadline for a deal — or in this case, an extension — to be reached. If no deal was made, Paramount channels would have been removed from YouTube TV until one was struck.
Here’s the full statement from YouTube TV on its temporary truce with Paramount:
An update for our members: We’ve reached a short-term extension with Paramount to keep their content on YouTube TV. Subscribers continue to have access to Paramount channels, including CBS. We appreciate your patience as we continue to negotiate on your behalf.
It’s unclear at this time how long this “short-term” agreement will last for. CBS is set to begin March Madness coverage in about a month with The Masters beginning on April 10. It remains uncertain whether or not YouTube TV will carry key channels like CBS and CBS Sports Network during those events.
YouTube TV has said it will issue an $8 per month credit if CBS channels are off the streamer for an “extended period of time.” However, it’s likely customers would find little solace in that credit if they’re unable to watch the NCAA Tournament next month due to these negotiations.
In the more immediate future, this deal means there will be no disruption for customers hoping to watch games such as Ohio State vs. Michigan on Sunday afternoon on CBS. There are numerous other college hoops games set to be broadcast on CBS Sports Network over the weekend that will now be available as well.
The 2025 NCAA Tournament will begin with first-round action on Thursday, March 20.
Spenser is a news editor for Saturday Down South and covers college football across all Saturday Football brands.
