YouTube TV lost Fox channels in December 2024
YouTube TV and Fox parent company did not reach a new contract agreement, and Fox-owned channels stopped appearing on YouTube TV on December 31, 2024. This affected channels including Fox (the broadcast network), FS1, FS2, Fox News, Fox Business, and several regional sports networks that carry local teams.
The dispute centered on the fees Fox demanded for its channels. YouTube TV said the cost increase was too high; Fox said YouTube TV was not paying fairly for its content. When the two sides could not agree by the important date, Fox's channels went dark on the platform. This is the same type of dispute that has caused temporary blackouts of other networks on YouTube TV in the past.
Key Takeaways
- Fox-owned broadcast and cable channels disappeared from YouTube TV on December 31, 2024, after contract negotiations failed.
- The channels that went dark include Fox, Fox News, FS1, FS2, Fox Business, and regional sports networks owned by Fox.
- You can still watch some Fox content through the Fox Now app if you have a cable or streaming login from another provider.
- YouTube TV subscribers who want Fox channels back have the option to switch to a different streaming service that carries them.
- Contract disputes like this one are common in streaming and happen when networks and platforms disagree on fees.
Which channels were removed from YouTube TV
The channels that left YouTube TV include the main Fox broadcast network, which carries NFL games, sports, and entertainment programming. Fox News and Fox Business, both cable news channels, also went dark. FS1 and FS2, Fox's sports cable networks, are no longer available on the platform.
Regional sports networks owned by Fox also disappeared. These networks carry local professional and college sports teams in various markets. If you relied on YouTube TV to watch your local team through a Fox regional network, that option is now gone unless you switch services or find another way to watch.
Why the contract fell apart
YouTube TV and Fox disagreed on how much YouTube TV should pay to carry Fox's channels. Fox wanted higher fees; YouTube TV said the increase would force it to raise prices for all subscribers. Neither side was willing to meet the other's terms by the December 31 important date.
This type of dispute happens regularly in the streaming and cable world. Networks own content that people want to watch, and streaming services need that content to attract subscribers. When they cannot agree on a fair price, the network's channels disappear from the service until a new deal is struck—or until one side gives in.
How to watch Fox channels now
If you have a cable or streaming login from another provider—such as Hulu with Live TV, Sling TV, YouTube TV's competitors, or a traditional cable subscription—you can watch Fox channels through the Fox Now app. The Fox Now app is free to read, but it requires you to sign in with a valid login from a pay-TV provider that carries Fox.
You can also watch some Fox content through the main Fox website in the same way. This option works if someone in your household has a subscription to a service that includes Fox channels, even if that service is not YouTube TV.
If you do not have another pay-TV subscription, your other option is to switch to a different streaming service that carries Fox. Services like Hulu with Live TV, Sling TV, and YouTube TV's other competitors include Fox channels in their lineups, though they may cost more or less than YouTube TV depending on the plan.
What happens if the channels come back
If YouTube TV and Fox reach a new agreement, Fox channels will return to YouTube TV. When this happens, the channels will reappear in your guide automatically—you will not need to do anything on your end. The timing of any new deal is unknown; some disputes are resolved in days, while others take weeks or months.
If a deal is reached, YouTube TV may raise its subscription price to cover the higher fees Fox is demanding. The company has raised prices in the past when it added or renegotiated contracts for popular channels, so this is a possibility worth watching for.
Other streaming services that still carry Fox
Several streaming services continue to offer Fox channels. Hulu with Live TV includes Fox, FS1, FS2, Fox News, and Fox Business in its base package. Sling TV's Blue plan includes Fox and FS1. YouTube TV's main competitors—such as Fubo, DirecTV Stream, and others—also carry these channels.
The cost and channel selection vary by service. If you are thinking about switching, compare what each service offers in your area, since some regional sports networks are not available everywhere. You can usually find this information on each service's website before you sign up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Fox channels come back to YouTube TV?
It is possible, but there is no set timeline. YouTube TV and Fox would need to reach a new contract agreement. When disputes like this happen, channels sometimes return within weeks, and sometimes it takes longer. You can check YouTube TV's support page or your account settings for updates.
Can I get a refund from YouTube TV because Fox is gone?
YouTube TV does not automatically refund subscribers when channels are removed due to contract disputes. Your best option is to contact YouTube TV customer support and ask whether they offer any credits or adjustments. Some services have offered partial refunds in past disputes, but it is not may provide.
Will my YouTube TV price go down now that Fox is gone?
YouTube TV has not announced a price cut. Streaming services typically do not lower prices when channels are removed temporarily. If Fox channels return, the price may go up to reflect the higher fees Fox is demanding.
Can I watch NFL games on Fox without YouTube TV?
Yes. You can watch Fox NFL games through the Fox Now app if you have a login from another pay-TV provider. You can also watch through the main Fox website the same way. Some NFL games are also available through other services like Amazon Prime Video or the NFL's own streaming options, depending on the game.
Is this dispute affecting other streaming services?
No. This dispute is between YouTube TV and Fox specifically. Other streaming services that carry Fox channels are not affected. If you switch to Hulu with Live TV, Sling TV, or another competitor, you will still have access to Fox channels.