As rivals chase acquisitions, Peacock bets on bundles through a new deal with YouTube

Published 27 July 2026 · tech

While much of the streaming industry is focused on mergers and acquisitions, NBCUniversal is expanding its reach through partnerships, with its latest move bringing Peacock

While much of the streaming industry is focused on mergers and acquisitions, NBCUniversal is expanding its reach through partnerships, with its latest move bringing Peacock directly to YouTube. On Monday, NBCUniversal and YouTube announced a multi-year global strategic partnership, bringing Peacock’s Premium plan to YouTube Premium subscribers in the U.S. starting in early 2027. This gives millions of viewers access to Peacock’s full lineup, including NFL and NBA coverage, “Saturday Night Live,” “Love Island USA,” “Law & Order: SVU,” and Bravo favorites like The Real Housewives franchise.

The deal means content will be integrated into the YouTube experience, allowing viewers to discover and watch Peacock content without leaving the platform. For YouTube, the partnership makes YouTube Premium a stronger offering by adding another major entertainment service. It also supports YouTube’s broader strategy of becoming a hub for streaming, giving viewers access to premium TV, live sports, and creator content all in one place. The partnership comes as media giants look for new ways to grow while competing with platforms like YouTube and TikTok, which continue to capture more of consumers’ viewing time.

Many companies have responded by reshaping their businesses through major deals. Paramount Skydance has agreed to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery, and Fox is buying Roku. Peacock, however, is leaning into distribution. The company has already partnered with Amazon and Apple, and the YouTube deal is its biggest effort yet to put its content where audiences already are. The deal also comes on the heels of Peacock reporting its first-ever quarterly profit in the second quarter of 2026. The streaming service currently touts 48 million paid subscribers.

The partnership also extends beyond the U.S., as NBCUniversal’s international streaming services, Universal+ and Hayu, will also become available through YouTube Premium in select markets. Additionally, starting later this summer, Peacock Premium will be available as a separate add-on subscription through YouTube Primetime Channels. Peacock Premium is its ad-supported plan at $10.99/month. Peacock Premium Plus has been available via YouTube Primetime Channels since late June.