YouTube TV has dropped MLB Network from its channel lineup, the Google-owned subscription service told its subscribers in an email.
Google says that it will stay in touch with sports baseball channel in hopes of restoring their content on YouTube TV.
(Photo : Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
SECAUCUS, NJ - JUNE 5: Michael Chavis hugs his family after being chosen 26th overall by the Boston Red Sox during the MLB First-Year Player Draft at the MLB Network Studio on June 5, 2014 in Secacucus, New Jersey.
YouTube TV Loses MLB Network in its Channel Lineup
As per a report by 9to5 Google, the subscription platform announced that starting January 31, the baseball channel would no longer be available in its channel lineup.
YouTube TV sent an email to its subscribers, alerting them that "MLB Network content will no longer be available" by the end of January."
Apart from the departure of its content, it also means that its users will "lose access to any previous Library recordings" from the baseball channel.
Can YouTube TV Subscribers Still Watch Major League Baseball Games?
Hollywood Reporter notes in its story that MLB Network is leaving YouTube TV ahead of the upcoming Spring Training.
However, it does not mean that YouTube subscribers could no longer stream Major League Baseball games. They could absolutely continue to do so without the MLB Network. But they would have to tune into other sports channels like ESPN, Fox, and TBS.
So if you are a YouTube TV base plan subscriber, you may still catch some Major League Baseball games.
Why did MLB Network Left YouTube TV?
Google states that there has been a contract dispute with the MLB Network.
The tech giant notes that they have been "working hard" for the renewal of its contract with the MLB Network. But despite that, they were "unable to reach an agreement. Thus, its users would have to see the baseball channel bid farewell.
The email to YouTube TV users says that Google will still try to work things out moving forward.
The tech behemoth "will continue conversations with MLB to advocate on your behalf, in the hope of restoring their content" in the cord-cutting subscription service.
(Photo : Chris McGrath/Getty Images)
ISTANBUL, TURKEY - MARCH 23: The YouTube and Netflix app logos are seen on a television screen on March 23, 2018 in Istanbul, Turkey.
ISTANBUL, TURKEY - MARCH 23: The YouTube and Netflix app logos are seen on a television screen on March 23, 2018 in Istanbul, Turkey.
Google still has some time to settle any contract disputes. After all, 9to5 Google notes that the next season of the MLB is kicking off this March 30.
However, it is worth mentioning that the Spring training for the next season starts on February 24, nearly a month before the opening day for 2023.
The Hollywood Reporter says this is not the first time a similar situation occurred on YouTube TV. Previously, it also had some sort of dispute with other giant channels like Disney and NBCUniversal. But it did not take long before their content was restored.
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