Did Fubo Lower Prices Because They’re Giving Up on Getting NBC Back?

If there’s one constant in the streaming world, it’s that prices will always go up. But Fubo made the rare move of not only cutting their prices, but also notifying existing subscribers of the adjustment.

Streaming services almost never do this. During YouTube TV’s recent carriage fight with Disney (ABC, ESPN, etc.), they kept the price the same, but alerted subscribers that a credit may be available if the standoff dragged on. Eventually, subscribers were able to access a credit, but only if they jumped through a few hoops. That battle ended after about two weeks.

But the NBC-Fubo feud has dragged on nearly 3 weeks with seemingly no end in sight. And if you’re looking for a flashing red light, it’s not just that Fubo is giving a credit, they’re straight-up dropping the price.

The price could actually be lower if you lost access to Regional Sports Networks.

• If you used to get two (or more) Regional Sports Networks and now get one, your fee will change from $15.99 to $12.99
• If you used to get one Regional Sports Network and now get none, your fee will change from $12.99 to $0
• If you used to get two Regional Sports Networks and now get none, your fee will change from $15.99 to $0
• If you still receive two (or more) Regional Sports Networks after one was removed, your fee will not change

The fact that Fubo went to the trouble of fully altering their price structure suggests the streamer is digging in for a very long battle.

Fubo has a history of these kinds of never-ending standoffs. The service dropped all the Warner Bros. Discovery channels on April 30, 2024 and there hasn’t been an attempt to get them back. There’s a decent chance Fubo gives up and walks away from NBCUniversal. Remember, Fubo was bought out by Disney, so they may not care if users jump to their sister service: Hulu + Live TV.

What Channels Have Gone Dark on Fubo?

What Are the Best Fubo Alternatives to Watch NBCUniversal Channels?

Watching NBC with an Antenna

If you have an antenna lying around, you can use it to watch NBC for free as long as you can access the signal from your local affiliate. I’ve attached my antenna to a HD Homerun so I can stream dozens of channels on all my devices at no additional cost.

Watching NBC with Peacock

Peacock is a streaming service featuring on-demand access to current and former NBC hits like “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” “The Office,” “Parks and Recreation,” “Chicago P.D.,” “Chicago Fire,” “Scrubs,” “30 Rock,” and “Community.”

The $16.99 Premium Plus plan offers access to your live, local NBC affiliate.

Read our full Peacock review.

Watching NBC with DIRECTV

DIRECTV is a great live TV option with several different channel packages. In fact, DIRECTV offers more channels than any other live streamer. NBC is available on the following packages: MyNews ($39.99), MySports ($69.99), Entertainment ($86.99), Choice ($114.99) Ultimate ($129.99) and Premier ($169.99).

You’ll get an unlimited DVR, unlimited streams at home, and a very friendly user interface. It’s my top choice for first-time cord-cutters.

If you need regional sports channels, DIRECTV offers more than every other live TV service.

Read our full DIRECTV review.

Watching NBC with Sling TV

I’ve used Sling TV extensively because it’s always been one of the least expensive live TV streamers. You won’t get every channel you may need, but you have the ability to flex your subscription up or down to save money or add more channels. Choose the Sling Blue or Orange + Blue package to access NBC.

One trick to watch out for is that NBC is only available with Sling in the following markets:

• Boston
• Chicago
• Dallas/Fort Worth
• Hartford/New Haven
• Los Angeles
• Miami/Fort Lauderdale
• New York
• Philadelphia
• San Diego
• San Francisco/Oakland/San Jose
• Washington, D.C.

If you don’t live near one of those markets, you’d need an antenna, Peacock, or another provider for NBC.

Read our full Sling TV review.

Watching NBC with Hulu + Live TV

Hulu + Live TV might be the best value in live TV streaming. Not only do you get a generous channel lineup, you also get free Disney+, ESPN Unlimited, and Hulu on-demand. It’s a great package for families. Many users complain about the clunky interface. Still, it’s a ton of entertainment for a fair price and you will be able to stream NBC.

Read our full Hulu + Live TV review.

Watching NBC with YouTube TV

YouTube TV is quickly becoming a dinosaur in the live TV streaming world. It was my go-to solution for several years, but I dropped it as the price climbed and the channel lineup remained stale. It’s nearly the same price as Hulu + Live TV but without the free streaming services. YouTube TV does carry NBC.

Read our full YouTube TV review.