NBCUniversal is relaunching its NBC Sports Network (NBCSN) on YouTube TV next week, four years after the channel was shut down. This move comes as a blackout of Disney-owned channels, including ABC and ESPN, continues on YouTube TV for approximately 10 million subscribers. The dispute between Disney and YouTube (owned by Google) centers on carriage fees and programming tiers, with neither party indicating an immediate resolution.
The revived NBCSN will feature a variety of sports content, including live NBA games, Premier League soccer, Big Ten football, WNBA games, and golf majors, with an MLB agreement expected soon. The network will also carry daily Olympic coverage during the 2026 Winter Olympics, cycling events like the Tour de France, and horse racing such as the Kentucky Derby. Sports talk shows like "PFT Live," "The Dan Patrick Show," and "The Dan Le Batard Show" will also be part of the lineup.
NBCSN was previously a prominent sports network, ranking as the second most-watched cable sports network in the U.S. in 2020 before its closure in December 2021. Its programming was then distributed to USA Network, CNBC, and Peacock. The relaunch aims to bring Peacock-exclusive content, such as a Monday night NBA package, to linear television, while much of the content will remain accessible on Peacock. This strategic move by NBCUniversal provides YouTube TV with a significant sports offering amidst the ongoing blackout of Disney's sports channels.
