Fubo has quietly increased subscription costs for its live TV service, raising questions about its value compared to alternatives like YouTube TV. The changes come as the company reintegrates NBC channels, which had been temporarily removed last fall. Base plans now cost $15 more per month, while the sports-focused package sees a $9 increase. Regional sports fees also rose in major markets, adding $13 to $17 monthly charges in some areas. The adjustments were first outlined in a support document on Fubo’s website, which detailed the scale of the price hikes without explicitly publicizing them on the home page.
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The price hikes follow a period of negotiation with NBC. Fubo had previously lowered standard plan prices by $11 when NBC channels were excluded. Now, with those channels returning, standard plans start at $102 per month — or $105 where regional sports fees apply. The Sports package, which never included NBC channels, now costs $65 per month, but still lacks some national sports coverage. Notably, Fubo is not restoring CNBC, MS Now, USA Network, Golf Channel, Oxygen, E!, or SyFy. These channels were spun off into a separate company called Versant earlier this year, and Fubo does not have a carriage agreement with the new entity. This omission means users must seek these networks elsewhere, potentially requiring additional subscriptions or reliance on Peacock for certain content.
Competitors offer more value in many cases. YouTube TV’s standard package costs $83 per month, while Hulu + Live TV and DirecTV Entertainment both charge $90. Both include national sports channels like TNT, TBS, and Golf Channel — features Fubo’s $102 base plan now lacks. DirecTV Choice, the only other major service with regional sports coverage, starts at $95 plus fees ranging from $8 to $24 per month. For users in Boston, Philadelphia, and northern California, Fubo’s base plan includes a $16 monthly regional sports fee, while other markets face charges between $13 and $17. These fees are concealed until checkout, a practice that contrasts with DirecTV’s more transparent approach to pricing.
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For users needing regional sports, Fubo remains slightly cheaper than DirecTV Choice. Its inclusion of NBCSN provides access to live sports that would otherwise require a Peacock subscription. However, the absence of TNT, TBS, and Golf Channel remains a drawback. Standalone team streaming services for MLB, NBA, and NHL teams may offer more cost-effective options for niche sports fans. These services allow users to curate their own packages, potentially avoiding the high costs of full live TV bundles while still accessing specific games or events.
Fubo’s interface and DVR features still stand out. The service offers an intuitive layout, split-screen viewing on Roku and Apple TV, and easy-to-use recording tools. In rare cases, Fubo’s prices may still be competitive — for example, if a user prioritizes local channels over national sports. But as NBC’s channels return, the trade-offs of paying more for fewer options grow clearer. Fubo’s base plan is gradually incorporating NBC’s regional networks, with Telemundo, Cozi, and Bravo already added, while Spanish-language plans now include Universo. The full integration of NBC and NBCSN is ongoing, but the absence of key channels like Golf Channel and USA Network limits the appeal of the service for some users.
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Customers who previously chose Fubo for its lower prices or unique features may now find alternatives more appealing. The company’s ability to balance cost, content, and convenience will determine whether its higher prices justify the return of NBC channels. For now, the math suggests YouTube TV and DirecTV offer better value for most users. Fubo’s recent price increases, combined with the exclusion of major channels, have shifted the competitive setting, forcing users to weigh the benefits of NBC’s return against the rising costs and content gaps that remain.