[Updated] MLB Network exit from YouTube TV gets users calling for reduction in price (alternatives inside)

New updates are being added at the bottom of this story…….

Original story (published on February 1, 2023) follows:

YouTube TV is a subscription-based live TV streaming service offered by Google. It provides access to live TV channels, DVR, and on-demand content from networks such as ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, and more.

It allows users to stream TV shows, movies, sports events, and news on multiple devices, including smart TVs, consoles, smartphones, and tablets.

However, viewers recently received an email in which YouTube indicated that they will no longer have rights to the MLB Network as of January 31, 2023.

The exit of MLB Network from YouTube TV has enraged some subscribers, with few threatening or having already canceled their subscriptions (1,2,3,4,5,6,7).

Users woke up this morning to be surprised by this news with some even pleading with YouTube to agree with the terms of the MLB Network and retain them.

MLB’s new season opening day is on Thursday, March 30, 2023, so YouTube still has time on their hands to get them back on the platform.

With 2 weeks until Spring Training, @YouTubeTV, and @MLBNetwork need to sort things out so I can watch MLB Network.
Source

I seriously just switched from Direct TV over to @YouTubeTV and 2 days later they tell me I no longer have @MLBNetwork!!! This sucks!!! #CmonMan
Source

While this situation has left YouTube TV subscribers in limbo, some are looking for alternatives since they believe the platform no longer serves the purpose for them (1,2,3,4,5).

The loss of the MLB Network has caused numerous users to ask whether they should continue to subscribe to YouTube TV given that was the main reason they did so in the first place.

Damn. I think I’m going to have to cancel my subscription to YouTube TV if this isn’t resolved. I basically only watch MLB Network and marathons of Ridiculousness on MTV.
Source

Now that @YouTubeTV has dropped @MLBNetwork I will now be searching for a new streaming service. Where is my drop on my bill YouTubeTV since you keep dropping channels!
Source

The cancellation of the MLB Network has caused viewers to demand that YouTube TV should now lower their prices (1,2,3).

Users believe that every time a new network is added, YouTube TV raises the subscription price. So, by that logic, the price should be reduced since they have lost a big network.

Pricing concerns were raised previously when news of Google’s talks with the NFL to get the airing rights for NFL Sunday Ticket surfaced, as well as the 4K Plus add-on being labeled a scam.

We keep losing significant networks but gaining networks nobody wants. YouTube TV should either lower their price or hire better negotiators.
Source

@YouTubeTV since we’re losing @MLBNetwork does that mean the monthly cost will go down? Or are you charging the same (or more again soon) for a worse product?
Source

YouTube support explained the reason for the move, stating that they were unable to negotiate a new deal before the current one expired:

You can watch MLB on these streaming platforms now that YouTube TV is no longer an option:

1. Sling Blue with Sports Extra: $51 a month
2. Vidgo: $65 a month
3. Sling Orange + Sling Blue with Sports Extra: $82 a month
4. Fubo TV with Sports Plus: $86 a month
5. DirecTV Stream, Choice package: $98 a month

We’ll keep tabs on the latest developments on the exit of MLB Network from YouTube TV and update this article as and when something noteworthy comes up.

06:13 pm (IST): YouTube TV announced that they’ve increased the subscription price from $64.99/mo to $72.99/mo in order to provide best possible TV experience.

An update for our members. As content costs have risen and we continue to invest in our quality of service, we’ll be adjusting our monthly cost, after 3 years, from $64.99/mo to $72.99/mo, in order to bring you the best possible TV service. (Source)

06:00 pm (IST): YouTube team is still working with MLB Network towards the potential return, but nothing is certain yet.

we understand how frustrating the news was & it wasn’t the outcome we wanted. we’ll continue conversations w/ the MLB Network in the hope of restoring their content on YouTube TV in the future (Source)

05:36 pm (IST): YouTube TV is offering a discounted price for new subscribers. The subscription is down to $64.99/mo for the first three months of subscription. More on that here.

Note: You can also check our dedicated YouTube bugs and issues tracker.

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