Sports fans who tuned in to YouTube TV’s multiview option on October 20 were left frustrated and baffled when they realized that they had no choice but to watch the WNBA alongside their desired NFL and MLB games. The streaming platform’s popular split-screen feature, which allows users to watch multiple sporting events at once, typically offers flexibility in choosing the games. However, this time, NFL and MLB enthusiasts found themselves forced to include the WNBA in their viewing experience.
YouTube TV’s multiview feature has been a popular tool for sports fans wanting to catch different games simultaneously, especially during busy sports seasons. Fans expecting to enjoy both Sunday Night Football (featuring the Steelers and Jets) and the MLB’s World Series matchup between the Yankees and Dodgers side by side were left disappointed. Instead of simply offering the two games, YouTube TV required that the WNBA be part of the experience as well.
Can’t split screen Sunday Night Football & The NLCS without being force fed the WNBA. No option to not have it there. When they claim to have a ratings boost, this is why. pic.twitter.com/TsorJHeuWM
— West Village Guy (@VillageWest14) October 21, 2024
Users could either watch NFL, MLB, and WNBA together in a three-way split screen or choose to watch the World Series with the WNBA finals as their only other option. This lack of flexibility quickly caused an uproar on social media, as fans expressed their dissatisfaction with being forced to watch a sport they weren’t interested in.
One frustrated user tweeted, “Can’t split screen Sunday Night Football & The NLCS without being force-fed the WNBA. No option to not have it there. When they claim to have a ratings boost, this is why.” The tweet went viral, amplifying the growing outrage from the sports community.
Another user humorously shared a photo of their TV with a blanket covering the WNBA section of the screen, captioning it, “YouTube TV won’t let me watch SNF and Baseball at the same time without the WNBA finals also. Modern problems require modern solutions.”
The issue stirred up even more debate, with some questioning why YouTube would restrict their content choices in such a manner. “YouTube TV is forcing me to watch the WNBA tonight if I want to split screen pennant and SNF! I want to bleach my eyeballs! They set it up that I can’t go into multiview and just watch what I want, I have to include WNBA,” exclaimed another frustrated viewer.
Youtube TV won’t let me watch SNF and Baseball at the same time without the WNBA finals also. Modern problems require modern solutions. pic.twitter.com/h68JDlAc8w
— Westley McCringleberry III (@WestleyMcIII) October 21, 2024
The backlash prompted YouTube to respond. In a statement, the company explained, “We’re only sharing curated multiview streams for now, but we are working to improve flexibility and introduce more options in the future.” While this provided some explanation, it did little to calm the immediate frustration of sports fans who felt their viewing preferences were being ignored.
This isn’t the first time YouTube has faced criticism in October. Earlier in the month, the platform sparked controversy by announcing that it was testing a new “Premium Lite” version that still included ads, despite raising the cost of its regular Premium subscription.
As fans await more options and flexibility from YouTube’s multiview feature, this incident highlights the delicate balance streaming platforms must strike in keeping users satisfied while promoting a wide variety of content. For now, NFL and MLB fans are left hoping for improvements in future updates, allowing them to enjoy their favorite sports without unwanted additions.
Forcing the WNBA on to the YouTube TV multi view and not offering a NFL/MLB split is certainly a choice
— Jolly (@jjolly74) October 21, 2024
I can’t watch the NLCS and SNF on YouTube Tv multiview without including the WNBA game. Who thinks that acceptable? There’s 14 people who give a fuck about that game and they’re all on the two teams playing. I won’t stand for this bullshit
— Toedenise CloneCone (@toinclonecone) October 21, 2024