Quick Read
- NBC and all NBCUniversal channels have been blacked out on Fubo since November 21, 2025, due to a contract dispute.
- Affected channels include NBC, Telemundo, Bravo, CNBC, E!, MSNBC, USA Network, all NBC Sports channels, and more.
- Fubo has promised a $15 credit to subscribers if the blackout continues, but there is no timeline for resolution.
- Alternatives for watching NBC content include Peacock, DirecTV, and Hulu + Live TV.
Fubo’s NBC Blackout: What Happened and Why
If you’re a Fubo subscriber and recently found yourself staring at a blank guide where NBC channels used to be, you’re not alone. Since November 21, 2025, Fubo customers have been cut off from NBCUniversal content—an abrupt blackout affecting everything from primetime favorites to live sports. The reason? A contract dispute between Fubo and NBCUniversal, with both sides trading blame and, for now, leaving viewers caught in the crossfire.
What Led to the Dispute?
According to Engadget, Fubo says NBCUniversal demanded pricing and packaging terms that were “egregiously above” those offered to other distributors. NBCUniversal counters that Fubo simply walked away from a deal accepted by “hundreds of other distributors.” The disagreement is not unique: Fubo previously dropped Warner-owned channels in 2024 over similar issues. Despite ongoing negotiations, there’s no clear end in sight for this standoff.
Which Channels Are Missing?
The blackout is broad and deep, encompassing a sweeping array of NBCUniversal channels. Here’s what’s currently unavailable to Fubo users:
- Local Channels: NBC local affiliates, Telemundo local and national
- Regional Sports: All NBC Sports regional channels including NBC Sports Bay Area, Boston, California, Philadelphia, and their respective Plus channels
- National Networks: Bravo, CNBC, E!, Golf Channel, MSNBC (now MS NOW), Oxygen True Crime, Syfy, USA Network, Universal Movies, and more
- Specialty/On-Demand: Real Housewives Vault, SNL Vault, Dateline 24/7, Today All Day, and others
For fans, this means missing out on everything from “Sunday Night Football” and “The Voice” to Premier League matches, NHL games, and the latest episodes of “The Real Housewives.”
What Does This Mean for Sports Fans?
The timing is particularly painful for sports viewers. This week’s nationally televised NBA matchup between the Knicks and Celtics, set for December 2, is just one high-profile event now out of reach for Fubo subscribers. Similarly, Premier League soccer, NHL games, and other major live events carried by NBC and its affiliates are off the table—unless fans seek alternative platforms.
How Fubo Is Responding
In messages to customers, Fubo has acknowledged the disruption and promised a $15 credit to subscriber accounts if NBCU programming remains unavailable for an extended period. Some customers have already received confirmation that this credit will apply automatically to their December bill. But for those who built their viewing routine around NBC content, a credit may feel like cold comfort.
Your Alternatives: Where to Watch NBC Content Now
Fortunately, viewers do have options. Here’s where you can find your favorite NBCUniversal programming while the blackout continues:
- Peacock: NBCUniversal’s own streaming service offers live sports, primetime shows, and a vast on-demand library. The ad-supported plan is $11/month, or $17/month for ad-free viewing with local NBC affiliate access. Walmart+ members can score a free Peacock Premium subscription as a membership perk.
- DirecTV: This contract-free live TV service provides NBC, Bravo, MSNBC, and more. New users can get $30 off their first month and a 5-day free trial, making it a low-risk way to regain access.
- Hulu + Live TV: For $89.99/month, subscribers get NBC, Bravo, other live channels, and access to Disney+ and ESPN Unlimited. There’s also a 3-day free trial for those seeking a short-term fix.
Each alternative has its own quirks and perks, but all restore the missing NBC lineup—at a price.
What If You Want to Cancel or Pause Fubo?
Fubo doesn’t offer a pause feature. If you’re thinking of jumping ship, your only option is to cancel outright. For viewers who rely on NBC for live events or daily entertainment, that’s a tough decision, but one many are weighing as negotiations drag on.
When Will NBC Channels Return to Fubo?
That’s the question on every subscriber’s mind—and, for now, there’s no answer. Both companies say they’re still talking, but neither has provided a timeline or hinted at progress. Until a new agreement is reached, the blackout remains indefinite.
The Bigger Picture: What This Means for Streaming TV
The Fubo-NBC dispute is just the latest flare-up in an industry under pressure. As networks demand higher carriage fees and streaming platforms fight to keep costs down, viewers are increasingly finding themselves as collateral damage. It’s a reminder that in the streaming wars, content isn’t always as accessible—or stable—as it seems.
This ongoing standoff between Fubo and NBCUniversal highlights the fragility of streaming TV agreements and the power struggles shaping what viewers can (or can’t) watch. For subscribers, the blackout is more than an inconvenience—it’s a wake-up call about the real costs and uncertainties of cord-cutting in 2025. Until both sides reach a deal, fans will have to adapt or look elsewhere for their favorite shows and sports.
