YouTube TV and Fox dispute updates: Latest news and other options to watch NFL, college football & more without service

Jake Mozarsky

YouTube TV and Fox dispute updates: Latest news and other options to watch NFL, college football & more without service image

Just before the college football and NFL seasons are set to begin, a major bump in the road has appeared for some viewers. 

YouTube TV and Fox are in a tense contract dispute that threatens a blackout of Fox channels for millions of subscribers. The deadline is set for August 27, putting a number of key college and NFL football games—including the Texas vs. Ohio State matchup—at risk.

MORE: Arch Manning sends clear message to Ohio State

The two sides have until 5 p.m. ET on Wednesday to reach a deal. If they do not come to an agreement, YouTube TV subscribers will lose access to FOX channels, including the Fox broadcast network, FS1 and Big Ten Network.

Here are the latest updates on the spat between YouTube TV and Fox as the deadline quickly approaches.

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YouTube TV and Fox dispute updates

Wednesday, August 27

YouTube TV and Fox reached a short-term extension on Wednesday, ensuring that football fans of both the college and professional variety can access games broadcast on Fox channels at the start of the 2025 seasons.

“We’ve reached a short-term extension with Fox to avoid service disruption for YouTube TV subscribers while we work on a new agreement,” YouTube announced in a tweet. “We’re committed to advocating on behalf of our members as we work toward a fair deal and will keep you posted on our progress.”

YouTube TV will offer $10 vouchers if games become unavailable at any point, it announced in a statement.

Negotiations are still ongoing between YouTubeTV and Fox. YouTubeTV vowed to provide upgrades throughout the process.

Monday, August 25

YouTube TV first notified its subscribers of the ongoing dispute with FOX on Monday. 

YouTube TV said on X that "our agreement with Fox is nearing renewal, and we're actively negotiating to reach a fair deal for both sides, as well as our subscribers."

If they are unable to reach an agreement by Wednesday, subscribers will lose access to Fox stations just before the NFL and college football seasons kick off.

The streaming service also said if Fox becomes unavailable for an extended period of time, subscribers will get a $10 credit. 

How to watch Fox without YouTube TV 

Given the ongoing dispute between YouTube TV and Fox, millions of subscribers may be looking for alternative ways to watch their favorite channels, including live sports on Fox platforms.

MORE: Dak Prescott breaks silence on whether Micah Parsons will play for Cowboys in Week 1

Using a digital antenna is a way to access local Fox affiliates. The signal can be picked up for free, making it a cheap and easy option for watching NFL and college football games.

In addition, Fox affiliates are available on a variety of other live TV streaming services.

Streaming OptionCable subscription needed?Free?CostFree Trial
NFL+NoNo$6.99/monthYes
NFL+ PremiumNoNo$14.99/monthYes
Hulu + Live TVNoNo$82.99/monthYes
Sling TVNoNo$45.99/monthYes
FuboNoNo$54.99/monthYes

When could YouTube TV subscribers lose Fox?

Fox networks could vanish from the streaming service as early as August 27 should the two sides not strike a deal. In such a case, viewers will miss some of the biggest college football games and NFL games on Fox and its affiliates.

On Saturday, Fox will host arguably the biggest game of college football Week 1, when No. 1 Texas plays No. 3 Ohio State.

MORE: Dave Portnoy breaks silence on Ohio State ban in must-watch rant

Jake Mozarsky

Jake Mozarsky joined The Sporting News as an Editorial Intern in August 2025 after earning both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Northwestern University. He has previously written for Marquee Sports Network, Chicago This Week, Inside NU and The Daily Northwestern.