List of Sports Television Networks in the United States

List of Sports Television Networks in the United States
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Overview

Sports television networks in the United States are specialty channels and broadcast networks that primarily televise sporting events, related programming, and live coverage. The list below organizes major U.S. sports-focused networks by ownership and programming model, including national broadcasters, regional sports networks, and cable specialty channels.

Overview

In the U.S., sports media is distributed through a mix of broadcast television and cable channels. National networks such as ESPN, Fox Sports, and NBC Sports typically deliver national rights packages for leagues and events, while specialty and streaming-adjacent brands expand coverage for niche audiences.

Regional sports networks (RSNs) are another major component of the sports television landscape. Many RSNs historically carried Major League Baseball and NBA games for local markets, though ownership structures and carriage agreements have shifted over time. Some RSNs operate under long-established brand names such as Bally Sports and Marquee Sports Network, which distribute team-specific coverage within designated territories.

National broadcast and major cable sports networks

The following networks are primarily national in scope and commonly hold rights to marquee events across multiple sports. Their schedules often include live game telecasts, studio analysis, and sports news programming.

ESPN: A high-profile cable network known for multi-sport live coverage, including events from major leagues and recurring studio formats.
ESPN2: A sister network frequently used for supplementary live events and expanded coverage.
Fox Sports 1: A cable network that carries a mix of live sports, studio shows, and secondary rights.
Fox Sports 2: Provides additional programming and simulcasts in support of Fox Sports’ broader sports rights strategy.
NBC Sports Network: Historically focused on Olympic and regional sports coverage, with programming aligned to NBC’s sports properties.
CBS Sports Network: Frequently serves as a home for college sports and secondary professional events, alongside studio content.
TNT and TBS: Traditionally associated with high-profile professional sports windows, including NBA programming in past rights eras.

Regional sports networks (RSNs)

Regional sports networks primarily carry games for local teams in defined geographic areas. RSNs became central to U.S. sports broadcasting by securing long-term agreements with team ownership groups, frequently televising MLB matchups and select NBA games.

Bally Sports: A major RSN brand distributing regional game coverage for multiple markets.
Marquee Sports Network: A Chicago-based RSN associated with MLB coverage for the Chicago Cubs in its service footprint.
YES Network: A New York–area RSN known for broadcasting MLB games, particularly for the New York Yankees.

Carriage and ownership arrangements for RSNs have been subject to marketwide change, including shifting distributor negotiations and evolving media rights strategies.

Premium and specialty channels with heavy sports programming

Beyond dedicated sports brands, some premium or specialty networks include substantial sports lineups as part of their entertainment or general programming portfolios. These channels may blend sports with related talk formats, documentaries, and event replays.

HBO: Though not exclusively sports-focused, HBO has aired sports-related films and documentaries and has also been involved in boxing and combat sports programming at various times.
Showtime: Has carried sports-adjacent content, particularly in combat sports and related events during certain rights periods.
Warner Bros. Discovery sports assets (e.g., brands operating under TNT/TBS and related channels): Frequently allocate programming windows for live sports and studio coverage depending on league contracts.

Streaming and sports-rights aggregation brands

In the U.S., sports television increasingly intersects with live streaming and rights holders’ digital platforms. While these are not always “television networks” in the traditional sense, they function as major distributors of live sports and sports programming.

ESPN+: A digital subscription service carrying live events and sports programming aligned with ESPN’s rights.
NFL Network: A specialized channel focused on National Football League content, including game-related shows and studio coverage.
NBA TV: A league-owned channel emphasizing NBA content and game broadcasts.

Many rights packages are distributed across multiple platforms, and networks may simulcast events or provide supplementary programming through owned digital services.