CBS Sports Network

CBS Sports Network. It is an American pay television channel owned by the CBS Entertainment Group division of Paramount Global. Launched in 2002 as College Sports Television, the network serves as the cable and satellite counterpart to the CBS broadcast network's sports division, CBS Sports. It provides a wide array of live sporting events, studio shows, and original programming, with a particular emphasis on college athletics.

History

The network was founded by Brian Bedol and Stephen Greenberg, launching on October 1, 2002, as College Sports Television (CSTV), a pioneering channel dedicated exclusively to college sports. In 2005, CBS Corporation acquired CSTV Networks Inc. for $325 million, integrating it into its CBS Sports division. The channel was rebranded as the CBS College Sports Network in 2008. Following a strategic shift to broaden its appeal beyond collegiate events, it adopted its current name on April 4, 2011. This evolution mirrored the expanding sports media landscape, with the network becoming a key property in the portfolio of what is now Paramount Global, following the merger of CBS Corporation and Viacom in 2019.

Programming

Programming is a diverse mix of live event coverage and studio analysis. It holds extensive rights to NCAA competitions, including Division I events from conferences like the Mountain West Conference, Atlantic 10 Conference, and Conference USA. The network is the primary broadcaster for the National Women's Hockey League and carries a significant schedule of Professional Bull Riders events. Its studio lineup includes shows such as Inside College Football, That Other Pregame Show, and Time to Schein. The network also airs original documentaries and magazine series, and serves as the cable home for National Football League pre-game coverage, carrying The NFL Today. Furthermore, it broadcasts a variety of other sports, including professional lacrosse from Premier Lacrosse League, MMA events from organizations like Bellator MMA, and eSports competitions.

Availability

It is primarily distributed through traditional pay television providers in the United States, including major cable operators like Comcast and Charter Communications, satellite services Dish Network and DirecTV, and telecommunications providers such as Verizon Fios. The network is also available on live TV streaming platforms, including YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and fuboTV. While it reaches tens of millions of subscribers, its carriage is not as ubiquitous as some broader sports channels, and its availability can vary by region and provider. International distribution is limited, with some events occasionally available through Paramount+ in certain markets.

Related networks and services

The network operates within a larger ecosystem of Paramount Global sports properties. Its direct broadcast partner is the CBS television network, which airs major events like the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament and The Masters. The digital-focused, free streaming service CBS Sports HQ provides continuous sports news and highlights. Many of the network's events are also simulcast or made available for replay on the subscription streaming service Paramount+. Other related channels under the corporate umbrella include the general entertainment network The CW, which also carries some sports content, and the entertainment-focused MTV, which has historically broadcast athletic competitions like The Challenge.

See also

* ESPNU * Fox Sports 1 * NBC Sports Network * SEC Network * Big Ten Network * Pac-12 Network * CBS Sports Radio

Category:American sports television networks Category:CBS Category:Paramount Global