Is YouTube the new TV? How sports are monetizing the platform in 2026

YouTube is rapidly becoming a central hub for sports media, reshaping how audiences consume content and how rights holders generate revenue. From connected TV growth and evolving monetization models to the rise of creators and platform-native strategies, the landscape is shifting fast. Major moves like the BBC’s expansion and the increasing role of influencers signal a deeper transformation in how sports reach fans. This conversation breaks down what’s working, what’s changing, and what the future of sports on YouTube really looks like.Key Points:Is YouTube quietly becoming the new global broadcaster for sports?What does the BBC launching dedicated YouTube channels signal for traditional TV?Why are short-form and long-form content diverging in how they’re consumed?Why has connected TV viewing of YouTube exploded — and what does it mean for rights holders?How are major events like the Australian Open using YouTube to break audience records?