NBCUniversal is seeking a major subscriber boost for Peacock following a new distribution deal with Google's YouTube.
The partnership aims to significantly expand the streaming platform's reach by leveraging YouTube's massive user base.
Under a new multiyear agreement between NBCUniversal and YouTube, Peacock Premium — which includes ads — will be available in a new YouTube Premium bundle in the U.S. starting early 2027.
This will include the core YouTube Premium service, which currently costs $15.99/month and provides ad-free viewing on YouTube, the ability to play videos in the background, downloads for offline viewing, and access to YouTube Music.
The deal marks "Peacock’s largest wholesale distribution partnership to date, bringing the streamer to millions of YouTube Premium subscribers in the U.S.", according to NBCU.
While the price of the new bundle has yet to be announced,the price of YouTube Premium in the U.S. will not change when Peacock content becomes available in early 2027. “We will continue to introduce additional offers and options that allow subscribers to easily customize their viewing preferences and select the plan that works for them,” a YouTube rep said.
Launched in July 2020, the Peacock streaming service turned its first-ever quarterly profit for Q2 2026. The streamer paid subscribers totaled 48 million as of the end of June, gaining 2 million net additions during the period.
The expanded deal between NBCU and Google includes other components, too.
On the streaming front, it will expand the global reach of NBCU’s Universal+ and Hayu international streaming services via YouTube Premium in select markets.
It also extends NBCUniversal’s multiyear distribution agreement with the YouTube TV pay-TV service, ensuring continued carriage of NBCU’s entertainment, sports, and news channels.
The companies most recently renewed the YouTube TV distribution pact in October 2025.
The expanded deal also includes NBC Sports serving as the production partner for select premier live sporting events on YouTube.
In addition, “selection of live sporting events” from NBCU will stream on NBC Sports’ YouTube channel for free, “bringing a sample of world-class games to millions of users on YouTube,” the companies said.
Furthermore, Peacock Premium (currently $10.99/month) will be available as a separate add-on subscription through YouTube Primetime Channels starting later this summer; Peacock Premium Plus ($16.99/month with limited ads) has been available via YouTube Primetime Channels since late June.
The companies’ agreement also calls for them to “deepen their longstanding advertising technology collaboration,” including through FreeWheel, to enhance advertising capabilities.
Moreover, the deal extends and expands the distribution and offerings of YouTube, YouTube TV, and YouTube Premium on Comcast’s Xfinity and Xumo platforms.
Separately, Comcast has announced plans to spin off NBCUniversal (with the U.K.’s Sky) in a transaction expected to be completed in mid-2027.
Mike Cavanagh, currently Comcast co-CEO, is set to become the CEO of the stand-alone NBCUniversal.
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