Video-sharing platform YouTube has launched its new service that delivers a range of major television channels to subscribers via the internet in the US, including a raft of sports content.
YouTube TV was first unveiled in February, but launched yesterday (Wednesday) in the United States’ largest metro areas – New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco Bay, Chicago and Philadelphia.
YouTube said more US markets will follow soon, with membership costing $35 (€32) per month, including the option of cancelling at any time.
YouTube TV provides access to more than 50 networks at launch including ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC, ESPN, Fox Sports Networks and Comcast SportsNet, with Fox Soccer Plus available for an additional charge.
This means live sports from the likes of the NBA basketball league, Major League Baseball, the NFL American football league and National Collegiate Athletic Association will be provided.
YouTube TV is launching with a free one-month trial and also provides an unlimited cloud-based DVR and access to YouTube Red originals.
Kelly Merryman, vice-president of content partnerships for YouTube, told the Variety website: “We are not trying to replicate other offerings in the marketplace. We are letting users drive this for us. We tried to identify the right set of programming from day one – and I think we’ve got it.”