According to a Wall Street Journal report, NBCUniversal is considering launching its own national sports cable network. Internal discussions are in early stages, but sources suggest a possible launch as early as Fall 2025.
This ambitious timeline is feasible because the network would reportedly utilize a significant amount of sports content from Peacock. The idea raises questions, given Comcast's impending spinoff of nearly all its linear cable networks into Versant, citing declining linear TV viewership. This spinoff includes the Golf Channel. Furthermore, the shifting media landscape hasn't favored linear networks, with Warner Bros. Discovery also planning to spin off its linear properties. NBCUniversal previously operated NBCSN, shut down in 2021.
However, launching a linear network could be strategically sound. Using primarily Peacock content would lower operational costs. It would also reach viewers hesitant to cut the cord. With upcoming Olympics, NBCUniversal needs more distribution outlets following the Versant spinoff of channels like USA Network and CNBC. The sports landscape has changed since NBCSN's closure, potentially allowing for a different model.
Recent significant investments in sports rights, including a $2.5 billion deal to bring NBA games back (including Peacock streaming rights), could fuel this venture. While linear TV viewership has declined, live sports maintain strong viewership. The network might face challenges securing rights for Peacock-only content, potentially leading to "blackouts" or requiring further rights acquisitions.
The network might operate as a pop-up channel for live events or adopt a permanent schedule. Branding remains undecided, with possibilities including reviving the NBCSN name or creating something new, potentially linked to Peacock. The network could be sold as a sports bundle to MVPDs, or Comcast might leverage its Xfinity business for carriage.