NBCUniversal Revives NBC Sports Network

NBCUniversal announced today the revival of its NBC Sports Network (NBCSN), a 24/7 linear cable channel dedicated to premium sports programming, launching exclusively on YouTube TV starting November 17, 2025. 

This marks the network's return after being shuttered in 2021, when its content shifted primarily to the Peacock streaming service and USA Network. The move aims to bridge pay-TV and streaming audiences by aggregating live events from Peacock's sports lineup, including Monday-night NBA games and the "Gold Zone" Olympics whip-around show, providing YouTube TV subscribers immediate access without needing an additional Peacock subscription.

In a statement, Matt Schnaars, president of platform distribution and partnerships at NBCUniversal, emphasized the strategic fit: "NBCUniversal delivers the biggest moments in sports, and the new NBC Sports Network gives pay-TV customers a seamless way to enjoy the wide range of sports in our portfolio, adding an important pillar in our linear and streaming strategy." The channel will roll out to Comcast's Xfinity service shortly after and expand to other pay-TV distributors in the coming months, as part of a broader carriage agreement with YouTube TV that also integrates Peacock into its Primetime Channels lineup.

Key Programming and Content Highlights

NBCSN will focus on high-profile live events that have been streaming exclusives on Peacock, creating a one-stop hub for sports fans on traditional TV platforms. Core offerings include:

• NBA: Monday-night games, part of NBCU's newly acquired rights.
• Soccer: Premier League matches, a staple of NBC's sports portfolio.
• WNBA: Regular-season and playoff coverage.
• College Football: Big Ten Conference games and Notre Dame matchups.
• Horse Racing: Kentucky Derby undercard races.
• Olympics: "Gold Zone" multi-sport highlights, building on Peacock's 2024 Paris Games success.

Upcoming Additions: Expected Major League Baseball games, pending a formal NBC-MLB agreement announcement.

Some premium content, such as a special NFL game and extended Olympics coverage, will remain Peacock exclusives to drive direct-to-consumer subscriptions.