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How To Get YES Network on YouTube TV: A Definitive Guide

So, you’re a die-hard Yankees fan (or a Nets or Liberty devotee) and itching to watch the YES Network on YouTube TV. The burning question: How do you make it happen? The somewhat frustrating, yet ultimately hopeful, answer is this: As of today, YES Network is NOT directly available as a standard channel on YouTube TV. However, there are still ways to catch your favorite New York sports teams, and we’re here to break them all down. You’ll need to explore alternative streaming options or consider cable packages to catch every pitch, basket, and goal.

Why Isn’t YES Network on YouTube TV?

The primary reason YES Network isn’t on YouTube TV boils down to a distribution agreement issue. Cable networks and streaming services need to negotiate carriage deals. These negotiations involve costs, subscriber reach, and the overall value both parties bring to the table. For whatever reason, a mutually agreeable deal hasn’t been struck between YES Network (owned by the Yankees and partners) and YouTube TV. This is not uncommon; similar situations exist with other regional sports networks (RSNs) on various streaming platforms.

Exploring Alternative Streaming Services

Okay, so YouTube TV isn’t an option. Don’t despair! Here are a few ways to watch the YES Network via streaming:

FuboTV: This is your most likely path to victory. FuboTV does carry the YES Network in its channel lineup, making it a prime candidate for New York sports fans. Check their channel packages for your specific area to ensure YES Network is included.
DirecTV Stream: Similar to FuboTV, DirecTV Stream (formerly AT&T TV) offers the YES Network in select packages. Again, confirm availability for your location, as regional channel lineups can vary.
YES App (with a qualifying provider): The YES Network also has its own app. However, to stream through the app, you typically need a valid pay-TV subscription (cable, satellite, or streaming service) that includes YES Network. If you subscribe to FuboTV or DirecTV Stream, you should be able to authenticate and watch via the YES App too.

Cable or Satellite Providers: The Traditional Route

While streaming is all the rage, the traditional cable or satellite route guarantees access to the YES Network. Companies like Spectrum, Optimum, Verizon Fios, and DirecTV generally offer packages that include regional sports networks. This may be a more expensive option than streaming, but it’s a reliable way to ensure you never miss a game.

Staying Updated on Availability

The streaming landscape is constantly evolving. Carriage deals expire, new negotiations happen, and channels can suddenly appear (or disappear) on different platforms. It’s crucial to stay informed. Follow these steps:

Check YouTube TV’s Channel Lineup Regularly: While YES Network isn’t currently available, that could change. Visit YouTube TV’s website or app and search for the channel.
Monitor YES Network’s Website and Social Media: The YES Network will often announce any changes to its distribution partners.
Read Tech and Streaming News: Websites like Cord Cutters News, The Streamable, and other tech blogs often report on carriage deals and channel lineup changes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the situation and help you find the best way to watch the YES Network:

1. Why doesn’t YouTube TV carry all the sports channels?

YouTube TV, like other streaming services, operates within a complex negotiation environment. Securing the rights to carry every sports channel would likely increase subscription costs significantly. They aim to offer a balance between popular channels and affordability. Agreements can be challenging to reach, and both parties have to feel they are gaining value.

2. What’s the difference between FuboTV and YouTube TV?

FuboTV and YouTube TV are both live TV streaming services, but they cater to different audiences and offer different channel lineups. FuboTV is generally considered more sports-centric, offering a wider range of sports channels, including the YES Network. YouTube TV provides a broader selection of news, entertainment, and general interest channels.

3. Is there a way to watch YES Network for free?

Unfortunately, there’s no legitimate way to watch the YES Network entirely for free. Streaming services offering the channel require subscriptions. There may be very limited trial periods offered by services like FuboTV but they require a credit card.

4. If I subscribe to FuboTV, can I watch YES Network on my TV?

Yes! FuboTV is compatible with a wide range of devices, including smart TVs, streaming devices (like Roku, Amazon Fire TV, and Apple TV), computers, and mobile devices. Simply download the FuboTV app on your preferred device, log in, and start streaming.

5. Does the YES App let me stream games even if I don’t have cable?

The YES App requires authentication through a participating pay-TV provider. If you subscribe to FuboTV or DirecTV Stream (and your package includes the YES Network), you can use your login credentials to access the app.

6. Can I use a VPN to watch YES Network if it’s not available in my area?

Using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to circumvent regional restrictions is technically possible, but it violates the terms of service of most streaming providers, including FuboTV and DirecTV Stream. Furthermore, the performance of the stream might be affected by the location of the VPN server. It’s generally recommended to use legitimate methods to access the content you want.

7. How often do channel lineups change on YouTube TV and other streaming services?

Channel lineups can change at any time, although major changes are usually announced in advance. Streaming services negotiate carriage deals regularly, and these negotiations can result in channels being added, removed, or moved to different packages.

8. What happens if YouTube TV adds YES Network in the future?

If YouTube TV and the YES Network reach an agreement, YouTube TV will likely announce the addition on their website, social media, and through email notifications to subscribers. Existing subscribers might need to adjust their channel lineup settings to include the YES Network.

9. Is it possible to record games on FuboTV or DirecTV Stream?

Yes! Both FuboTV and DirecTV Stream offer cloud DVR (Digital Video Recorder) functionality. You can record games and other programs to watch later. The amount of storage available for recordings varies depending on the subscription plan.

10. Does YouTube TV offer any alternative ways to watch Yankees, Nets, or Liberty games?

Even without the YES Network, YouTube TV often carries nationally televised games on channels like ESPN, ESPN2, ABC, and Fox. Check the TV schedule to see if any games featuring your favorite New York teams are being broadcast nationally.

11. Are there any other regional sports networks on YouTube TV?

The availability of regional sports networks on YouTube TV varies by location. Some areas may have access to certain RSNs, while others do not. Check the YouTube TV channel lineup for your specific zip code to see which RSNs are available.

12. Why are regional sports networks so expensive for streaming services to carry?

Regional sports networks often command high carriage fees because they have a dedicated and passionate local fanbase. Streaming services recognize that these networks are a valuable draw for subscribers in the region, so they’re willing to pay a premium to secure the rights. This increased cost can impact the overall price of the streaming package offered to consumers.

In conclusion, while getting YES Network directly on YouTube TV is not currently possible, exploring FuboTV or DirecTV Stream, or sticking with a traditional cable/satellite provider, offer viable paths to cheering on your favorite New York teams. Keep informed, compare your options, and choose the solution that best fits your needs and budget. Now go root for the home team!