In early 2026, cord-cutting is not just an idea; it’s reality. Projections from Evoca TV indicate that 80.7 million U.S. households will soon be “cord-cutters” or “cord-nevers,” officially outnumbering the 54.2 million traditional cable subscribers. 

As a strained economy forces consumers to rethink nonessential spending, the primary debate has shifted from whether to ditch cable to choosing between paid streaming tiers and free ad-supported TV (FAST).

While the annual inflation rate has slowed to 2.4% in January 2026 after rising 2.7% for the 12 months ending December, the all items less food and energy rose 2.5% over the last 12 months, according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. 

The data suggest that basic services and housing are still the main reasons life feels expensive right now, which is why consumers are more focused on value. To cut monthly bills and minimize nonessential costs such as entertainment, 46% of consumers now opt for ad-supported streaming tiers, according to data from AI Digital. 

Key streaming statistics: 

  • 57% of U.S. households watch at least one FAST channel monthly. 
  • The Ad-supported Video on Demand (AVOD) market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 12.5% through 2028. 
  • As many as 59.6 million households in the United States are estimated to have switched to non-pay TV. 
  • The majority of streaming providers hiked prices in 2025. 
  • Bundling is the single most powerful retention strategy in streaming.
    Sources: WiFi Talents, Evoca TV, Churnkey, TheStreet 

To maintain its position in the streaming world, minimize churn rates once major sporting events are over, and respond to customers’ demands for more affordable options, YouTube TV has been making major moves recently.

YouTube TV finally unveils 12 new cheaper packages.

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YouTube TV offers special savings deal for new subscribers 

Looking to add new users to its current base of around 11 million subscribers, YouTube TV is launching a special promotional offer, per Deadline. New subscribers can get the first five months of service for $67.99 per month, compared to the standard price of $82.99, amounting to a total savings of $75 by the end of the promotion, reported Cord Cutters News. 

The deal comes at a good time for sports enthusiasts, since the March Madness (college basketball), MLB, and UFL seasons are approaching. Additionally, with spring often comes new season premieres and returns of popular shows. 

The promotional offer is for new subscribers only; existing account holders won’t qualify. Moreover, the offer doesn’t exclude a free trial period before the paid discounted months begin. 

What will new YouTube TV subscribers get? 

  • 100+ channels covering news, sports, and entertainment
  • Unlimited DVR storage, one of the key features differentiating the streamer from competitors
  • Six accounts for one household and three simultaneous streams
  • Add-ons such as NFL Sunday Ticket, NFL RedZone with Sports Plus, HBO Max, and 4K Plus, which can be purchased to create a customized viewing experience

“This short‑term price cut is an easy escape hatch from cable fatigue, landing right as the year’s biggest sports and TV moments stack up. With strong local channels, roomy DVR, and multiple streams baked in, this promo slashes the cost of switching for nearly half the year and makes the jump feel like a no‑brainer,” points out Cord Cutters News’ Raymond McCain. 

YouTube TV finally unveils 12 cheaper packages 

Several weeks after YouTube TV confirmed in an official blog post the launch of the long-awaited bundles, the streamer has revealed the full offer, which includes 12 different packages. 

“The main YouTube TV plan ($82.99/month w/100+ networks across genres) will remain our most comprehensive offering,” noted Josh Yang, YouTube product management director. 

In the first original post, the streaming giant unveiled four plans, and revealed that full access for all users may take several more weeks. However, several reports from Feb. 24 revealed that a wider group of users can already access these more affordable packages. 

More recently, the streamer shared its 12 new plans. 

YouTube TV’s 12 new cheaper packages: 

  • Entertainment for $54.99
  • Sports for $64.99
  • Entertainment + Family for $62.99
  • News + Family for $62.99
  • Sports + Entertainment for $71.99
  • Sports + Family for $71.99
  • Sports + News for $71.99
  • News + Entertainment + Family for $69.99
  • Sports + Entertainment + Family for $77.99
  • Sports + News + Entertainment for $77.99
  • Sports + News + Family for $77.99
    Source: Cord Cutters News 

Depending on which smaller bundle you pick, you can save between $5 and $28 per month compared to the full $82.99 plan.

Another key advantage that comes with these plans, aside from a more affordable streaming experience is that neither plan removes additional features that make YouTube TV popular, including: 

  • Unlimited Cloud DVR
  • Six accounts per household
  • High-end features such as Multiview for sports and Key Plays

Industry experts agree that moving away from the “one-size-fits-all” model addresses two major complaints about the streaming services: high prices and too much unwanted content. 

“By offering these lower-priced tiers, YouTube TV aims to retain existing subscribers and attract new ones who might otherwise cut the cord or switch providers,” industry expert Luke Bouma writes for Cord Cutters News.  

Essentially, YouTube TV is betting that “customization” is the best way to survive in a market where people are tired of paying for 100+ channels they never turn on, especially when they are being more careful about where they spend each dime.

Subscribers react to YouTube TV’s 12 new affordable plans 

Not everyone can see the new YouTube TV options yet. It’s a slow launch, and subscribers have to check their account settings on a web browser to see if they’re eligible to switch.

Some subscribers who can already access these plans shared the details on Reddit.

More Entertainment:

  • Roku quietly rolls out a major free upgrade for users
  • Netflix quietly pulls the plug on millions of devices
  • Tubi surprises subscribers with classic cartoons

Overall, subscribers express mixed reaction to new plans. A number of users are confused about plan availability, as they are unable to find the new options in their subscription settings. 

Others have questioned the value of the offerings, arguing that even the cheaper packages still aren’t cheap enough compared to alternatives. 

“Entertainment at $55 even seems like a ripoff considering those are often the cheapest channels to carry. The sports channels are generally the most expensive,” wrote user walkingman24. 

User Overall_Affect_278 compared the Entertainment bundle with a Direct TV offering, arguing that YouTube TV’s plan is “a ripoff, despite you getting locals, when you consider DirecTV has an entertainment package that’s $34.99 a month and comes with Disney+, Hulu AND HBO Max included.” 

More users complained that the prices with these plans are still very expensive. 

“YouTubeTV’s lack of a $50 and below skinny pack is unbelievable. Especially in this economy and during April-September when households tend to cancel streaming services. Not a smart way to prevent summer churn by YoutubeTV. Not even a $40/ month news-only? Not good,” d0njuannn wrote. 

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