YouTube Premium to include Peacock streaming service in new bundle

YouTube and NBCUniversal said on Monday that Peacock Premium will be added to the YouTube Premium subscription package beginning early next year. The integration will expand the existing $15.99-per-month YouTube Premium offering to include Peacock’s live-sports lineup—such as NFL, NBA and MLB games—and popular shows like Law & Order, Saturday Night Live and Love Island.

Peacock currently reports about 48 million subscribers, while YouTube Premium and YouTube Music together have roughly 125 million subscribers, according to the companies. The new arrangement builds on a prior agreement between NBCUniversal and Google and will also extend NBC’s programming deal with YouTube TV, while bringing some YouTube content to Comcast Xfinity and Xumo platforms.

NBC Sports will stream select live events on its YouTube channels, and NBC will act as a production partner for certain YouTube live events. In selected markets, YouTube will also bundle NBCUniversal’s international streaming services, including Universal+ and Hayu.

"This partnership brings NBCUniversal’s world-class content and iconic franchises to YouTube’s unmatched scale and global platforms," said Mike Cavanagh, co-CEO of Comcast Corporation.

"We’re incredibly excited to expand our partnership with NBCUniversal to redefine what a modern entertainment subscription can be for consumers," said Neal Mohan, YouTube CEO. "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, blockbuster Universal movies and original series."

The deal follows Peacock’s recent profitability and a series of distribution agreements with platforms such as Apple TV, Prime Video and Roku.