NBCUniversal is discussing the launch of a sports cable network that could launch as soon as this autumn, according to a report in the Wall Street Journal.
Citing people familiar with the matter, the Wall Street Journal said the channel would mainly carry sports that are also streamed on NBCU’s Peacock platform.
The Wall Street Journal report said that discussions are still in early stages, and a final decision on the network has yet to be made.
The possible launch of a cable network comes as something of a surprise when many viewers are cutting the cord and subscribing to streaming services.
Yet the WSJ noted that live sports are among the most lucrative parts of the television business, describing hardcore sports fans as among cable’s “stickiest”.
For NBCU, the sports cable channel would aim to complement its streaming service.
News of the possible launch comes as Comcast-owned NBCU is ramping up its sports rights deals with a new deal to carry NBA basketball that is worth a reported $2.5bn annually.
NBCU also has rights to golf, college football, the WNBA, Olympics and Premier League Soccer.
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