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NBA Season Kickoff at Risk as YouTube TV, NBCUniversal Clash Over Fees

Don't miss the NBA season opener on Oct. 21. A contract spat between YouTube TV and NBCUniversal could leave fans in the lurch. Here's what you need to know.

In this image we can see a television on the wall. On the screen of the television, we can see...
In this image we can see a television on the wall. On the screen of the television, we can see people are doing exercise.

NBA Season Kickoff at Risk as YouTube TV, NBCUniversal Clash Over Fees

The new NBA season is set to tip off on Oct. 21, with NBC broadcasting games for the first time since 1998. However, a contract dispute between YouTube and NBCUniversal has left sports fans worried about missing out on action, including Sunday Night Football and NBA games.

The issue stems from a disagreement over carriage fees. NBCUniversal claims Google, the parent company of YouTube, isn't paying enough to carry its channels. Meanwhile, Google argues that NBCUniversal's rates would lead to a price hike for YouTube subscribers. A short-term extension has been agreed to keep NBC channels on YouTube while negotiations continue.

If a deal isn't reached by Oct. 21, NBCUniversal has threatened to pull its programming from YouTube. This could leave subscribers without access to NBC content and NFL games. Fans are advised to consider alternative streaming services like a combo of Fubo Sports and Peacock for $67 a month. In the event of a blackout, YouTube subscribers will receive a $10 credit.

The upcoming NBA season promises excitement, but a potential programming loss on YouTube could dampen the experience for some fans. With negotiations ongoing, all eyes are on Oct. 21 to see if a deal can be reached.

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