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.
.jpg)
EU Sovereign AI: Collaboration crucial to AI and cloud success
Collaboration and innovation are crucial ingredients for establishing a sovereign cloud and AI ecosystem within Europe to reduce dependency on US hyperscalers, concluded an SMPTE panel at IBC2026.
Comcast and Paramount Skydance weigh future of SkyShowtime platform
Comcast and Paramount Skydance are reportedly considering winding down their SkyShowtime joint venture.
Disney+ launches curated Playlists feature
Disney+ is introducing Playlists, a feature that brings together themed collections of episodes and movies that play continuously.
Apple expands Apple TV to 170 markets
Apple is rolling out is Apple TV streaming platform into 59 additional countries, taking the service’s global footprint to 170 markets.
Canal+ and LaLiga strike anti-piracy agreement
France’s pay-TV group Canal+ and Spanish football league LaLiga have signed a strategic anti-piracy agreement covering nearly 50 countries across Europe, Sub-Saharan Africa, and Haiti.
.jpg)
.jpg)