Bad news, Sling TV fans – the YouTube TV rival is getting a big price hike

On November 28, 2024By Littum

Sling TV’s price increases will take effect from December 20
All Blue and Orange plans increase by $5.99 per month
But Sling still undercuts similar rivals despite price increases

Sling TV has announced some pretty hefty price increases on all three of its plans, effective from December 2024. The increases are the first since 2022.

Sling Orange, the cheapest plan, will increase from $40 to $45.99 per month. month, an increase of 15%. The same $5.99 increase comes to the other plans. Sling Blue is currently $45 per month and the combined Blue + Orange plan is $60.

The new fees will take effect from the next billing period on or after December 20.

Why is this happening? According to Slingit is because of the program providers. “The price we pay to bring you the programming you enjoy continues to rise well above the pace of inflation,” Sling said in a note to clients.

But while “we actively fight every day on your behalf to keep costs as low as possible,” it can no longer absorb the rising costs.

An industry-wide problem

Sling TV

(Image credit: Future)

Sling rightly says this is an industry-wide problem; other streamers have also raised their prices. And it points out that it still offers “some of the lowest prices on paid live TV”.

Its closest rival in live TV streaming, YouTube TV, is $72.99 for the base plan, compared to $60 for Sling’s full-fat offering; even with the price increase, Sling’s service will be cheaper, although it differs in the range of channels it offers.

If you’ve been thinking about signing up for Sling but haven’t yet, there are some deals to keep costs down: it’s currently offering half-price subscriptions for the first month, and there are additional deals, including $5 off the monthly Sling with Max bundle and similar add-ons such as AMC and Paramount Plus With Showtime.

You can also get a free month of the Premium pass, which is normally $32.99, to help soften the blow.