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“Live Sports Are Saving Broadcast TV — And 2025 Is Just the Beginning”

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As the 2025 college football season kicks off, broadcast networks are doubling down on live sports programming to reclaim primetime dominance. With Saturday and Sunday nights packed with sports content through spring 2026, the question isn’t just whether sports can save TV—it’s how each network is positioning itself to win.

Why Live Sports Matter More Than Ever

In the age of streaming and on-demand content, live sports remain the last true appointment television. Viewers may binge dramas and reality shows at their convenience, but sports demand real-time engagement. That urgency drives ratings, ad revenue, and brand loyalty—making sports the most valuable content on television.


Network-by-Network Breakdown

NBC: The Sports Powerhouse

NBC is building a weekend sports empire:

  • Sunday Night Football has been the #1 primetime show in America for 14 consecutive years, averaging 25.1 million viewers in the 2024–25 season.
  • NBC recently secured rights to NBA games, returning pro basketball to the network for the first time since 2002.
  • A pending deal to take over ESPN’s Sunday Night Baseball will give NBC a full weekend slate.
  • Peacock will stream Friday Night Baseball starting in 2026, expanding NBC’s reach into streaming-exclusive sports.

NBC’s strategy is clear: dominate Friday through Sunday with live sports, making it the go-to destination for weekend viewers.

We even add to the list the 2026 Winter Olympics which will likely keep the Peacock a ratings winner for two weeks in February.

FOX: Sports + Reality = Ratings Gold

FOX blends sports and unscripted programming to lead weekly ratings:

  • NFL on FOX remains a top draw, with marquee games averaging 22–24 million viewers.
  • MLB Playoffs and World Series games consistently pull 15–18 million viewers.
  • College football and basketball fill the calendar through winter.
  • NASCAR races are increasingly airing on broadcast, with the Daytona 500 drawing 9.3 million viewers in 2025.

FOX’s formula of live sports + reality hits like The Masked Singer and Next Level Chef keeps it competitive across demographics.

CBS: Scripted Strength with Sports Staples

CBS leans on its scripted lineup but still delivers key sports content:

  • SEC college football and March Madness are CBS staples, with NCAA Tournament games reaching up to 16 million viewers.
  • CBS’s scripted shows like NCIS and FBI dominate older demographics, but sports help attract younger viewers during key seasons.

CBS is less aggressive in sports expansion but remains a reliable player during major events.

ABC/ESPN: Disney’s Dual Strategy

ABC and ESPN combine forces to maximize reach:

  • ABC airs college football and NBA games in primetime, especially on Saturdays.
  • ESPN handles weekday and cable-exclusive coverage, but simulcasts on ABC boost visibility.
  • Disney’s sports rights portfolio includes NFL, NBA, NHL, and college sports, making it a multi-platform powerhouse.

ABC’s sports presence is strategic, supporting its scripted lineup while leveraging ESPN’s deep bench.

The CW: A New Player in Live Sports

The CW is pivoting from teen dramas to sports:

  • In 2024, The CW began airing ACC college football and basketball, drawing 1–2 million viewers per game—a strong start for a network new to sports.
  • The CW also picked up NASCAR’s Xfinity Series, expanding its weekend offerings.
  • With fewer scripted obligations, The CW has room to grow its sports slate and attract younger, cord-cutting audiences.

This shift marks a bold rebrand for The CW, positioning it as a rising player in live sports.

ION Television: Syndication Meets Sports

ION TV, known for syndicated dramas like Blue Bloods and Law & Order, is exploring sports partnerships:

  • In 2025, ION began airing select local NBA and NHL games, capitalizing on the collapse of regional sports networks.
  • While ION’s reach is more limited, its broadcast footprint and low-cost model make it an attractive option for teams seeking exposure.

ION’s entry into sports is modest but strategic, offering a new home for displaced local broadcasts.

Great question—this shift is reshaping how fans access their favorite teams. As regional sports networks (RSNs) continue to collapse due to bankruptcy and cord-cutting, several NBA and NHL teams are moving their local broadcasts to free over-the-air (OTA) stations and launching direct-to-consumer (DTC) streaming platforms. Here’s a breakdown of the most notable moves:


NBA Teams Moving to Local Broadcast Stations

NBC’s “Coast to Coast Tuesdays”

NBC will air regional split doubleheaders every Tuesday night, giving airtime to many teams that previously had limited national exposure. These games will be broadcast on local NBC affiliates.

  • Sacramento Kings – 5 games on NBC
  • Portland Trail Blazers – 6 games on NBC
  • Utah Jazz – 1 game on NBC
  • Phoenix Suns – 5 games on NBC
  • Dallas Mavericks – 8 games on NBC
  • Houston Rockets, Timberwolves, Thunder – 6–8 games each on NBC

These teams are benefiting from NBC’s return to NBA broadcasting, which includes 58 games on broadcast TV, many of which are regionally split.

Other NBA Shifts

  • Phoenix Suns and Utah Jazz were early adopters of the “beam and stream” model, airing games on local broadcast TV and launching their own DTC streaming apps.
  • Chicago Bulls are exploring simulcasts with WGN-TV, a CW affiliate, to expand reach beyond cable.

NHL Teams Moving to Local Broadcast Stations

Confirmed Moves to OTA Stations

ampa Bay Lightning are officially moving their games to broadcast television starting with the 2025–26 NHL season, marking a major shift in how fans across Florida can access Bolts hockey.

Local Broadcast Station: Games will air on WXPX-TV Channel 66, branded as “The Spot – Tampa Bay 66” With stations in Orlando and Jacksonville on board.

Streaming Option: Fans can also live-stream games through the Lightning app, powered by ViewLift

  • Anaheim Ducks – Now airing games on KCOP-MNT (Fox-owned station in LA) after Bally Sports San Diego shut down.
  • Chicago Blackhawks – Moved to the new Chicago Sports Network, with potential simulcasts on WGN-TV.
  • Colorado Avalanche – Shifted 20 games to KUSA-NBC and KTVD-MNT in Denver.
  • Dallas Stars – Left RSN for their own Victory+ free streaming service.
  • Florida Panthers – Now airing games on WSFL-CW in Miami and WHDT in West Palm Beach.
  • Vegas Golden Knights – Partnered with Scripps Sports for OTA broadcasts.
  • Utah Hockey Club (formerly Arizona Coyotes) – Launched their own Mammoth+ streaming platform and OTA deals.

These moves are part of a broader NHL strategy to decentralize local rights, allowing teams to find market-specific solutions as RSNs falter.


What This Means for Fans

  • More accessibility: Fans without cable can now watch games via antenna or streaming.
  • Fragmented experience: Each team has its own app or broadcast partner, making it harder to follow multiple teams.
  • National consolidation: The NBA is exploring a league-wide in-market streaming package, similar to NFL Sunday Ticket.

If you want a team-by-team viewing guide or help finding where to watch your local games, I can build that next.


Sports vs. Scripted: The Cost and ROI

While scripted shows cost $2–5 million per episode, live sports rights can run into the billions. Yet the return is undeniable:

  • Sports dominate live viewership, social media engagement, and advertising revenue.
  • In 2025, sports accounted for 80% of the top 50 most-watched broadcasts in the U.S.
  • Advertisers pay premiums for live events, especially in the 18–49 demographic, where scripted shows often fall short.

The Future of Broadcast TV Is Live

With streaming platforms fragmenting audiences, live sports offer a unifying force. From NBC’s weekend takeover to The CW’s bold pivot, every network is betting big on sports to stay relevant.





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Tampa Bay Downs special: Let ’em Run live from Florida

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Tune în Wednesday for a special show from Tampa Bay Downs

Let ‘em Run Special Wednesday Podcast LIVE from Tampa Bay Downs

Midweek racing brings fresh opportunity, sharper opinions, and real-time insight from the track. This Wednesday, Let ‘em Run takes the show on the road with live analysis straight from Tampa Bay Downs. With strong angles, value-driven plays, and boots on the ground, this special edition delivers the kind of edge horseplayers look for during the week.

Be sure to tune in on Wednesday at 12:30 PM EST for our special “Boots on the Ground” segment. John Kostin will be live from Tampa Bay Downs and joined by guest handicapper Wadie Khalaf. Together, they will break down the card with a sharp focus on the Late P5 and key spot plays, including the always-popular Bro’s BRISnet Play of the Day. You can catch the show live on Sports Talk Media Network, along with multiple streaming apps and social channels. Let’s take a closer look at a few races that stand out.

Tampa Bay Downs | Wednesday 1/21/26

Race 2 | 12:20 PM EST

This race offers a strong opinion with limited value, but there is still a way to make it pay. The #5 Uncashed sits at 2-1 on the morning line and owns a +10 BRISnet Prime Power advantage over the rest of the field. That edge pushes the projected win percentage to around 55%. He also profiles as the lone “E” type in the race, which strengthens the pace advantage. Trainer numbers support the play as well, with a 31% win rate when sending out runners who won last time out.

Since the price will likely drop, the value shifts to a double play. The suggested approach is a $50 double using 5 with 9 and 10 in Race 3. The outside posts win often in that race, and the odds should offer a better return.

Race 8 | 3:55 PM EST

This race sets up nicely for another BRISnet-based angle and should provide a fairer price at post time. The #1 Paynter’s Prodigy sits at 3-1 and checks several important boxes. He is an “E” type, owns the highest last-race speed figure, and also tops the field in early TimeformUS Pace.

The only other true speed appears to be #12 Chico Charlie at 6-1, but that runner draws a tough, ground-losing outside post. The price on the #1 may drift up, as jockey Wesley Ho remains capable but does not draw heavy public support. That scenario could create solid betting value.

All three of us will share insights and opinions on the full Late P5 during the live podcast. Be sure to tune in. Bet smart, cheer hard, fast horses equal serious fun, and as always, Let ‘em Run.





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Dalton Smith: Britain has a new world champion

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Dalton Smith became world champion

A Statement Night in Brooklyn for Dalton Smith

On January 10, 2026, Dalton Smith announced himself on the world stage with a stunning knockout victory over Subriel Matias to claim the WBC Junior Welterweight World Championship. Fighting in Brooklyn, New York, Smith delivered a fearless performance in his United States debut and dismantled one of the division’s most feared punchers.

Smith stopped the Puerto Rican powerhouse in the fifth round with a brutal sequence of chopping right hands. The finish capped a fight that evolved from a sharp, technical opening into an all-out war, with both men trading heavy shots. When the moment arrived, Smith imposed his will and closed the show against the 33-year-old champion.

Built for the Big Stage

Smith entered the fight with a growing reputation for knockout power, fast hands, and a proven chin. Against Matias, he matched intensity and confidence from the opening bell. As the rounds wore on, Smith controlled the exchanges and turned pressure into opportunity, becoming the first fighter to knock Matias out.

Matias arrived with a reputation as a destroyer, but Smith refused to retreat. He stood his ground, answered fire with fire, and changed the trajectory of the junior welterweight division.

Roots in Sheffield

Born February 8, 1997, in Sheffield, England, Smith grew up in a sports-driven household. Football came first, but boxing quickly took hold. His father, Grant Smith, and grandfather, Brian Smith, introduced him to the Steel City Gym around 2003, setting the foundation for his career.

Smith thrived as an amateur. He collected national titles, earned a medal at the 2014 European Youth Championships, and captured the ABA title in 2018. Those accomplishments marked him as one of Britain’s elite prospects.

The Professional Rise

Smith turned professional in 2019 after signing with Eddie Hearn and Matchroom Boxing. He debuted in Nottingham against Luka Leskovic and earned a points win. Momentum followed fast. Seven straight victories, many by knockout, pushed him into the national spotlight.

In 2021, Smith captured the English title with a sixth-round stoppage of Lee Appleyard. He followed that by winning the WBC International Silver super lightweight title in 2022, forcing Ray Moylette’s corner to halt the fight in round ten. Eight months later, Smith claimed the British title with a devastating sixth-round finish against Sam O’Maison.

From Contender to Champion

Victories over Sam Maxwell and former WBC Silver champion Jose Zepeda elevated Smith into elite company. In 2025, wins over Walid Ouizza and Mathieu Germain sealed his world title opportunity.

Smith entered the Matias fight undefeated at 19-0 with 14 knockouts. Matias stood at 23-2 with 22 knockouts. The collision delivered fireworks, and Smith emerged as the last man standing.

With the win, Dalton Smith became the fifth active British world champion, joining a growing list of elite names and signaling the arrival of a new force at 140 pounds.





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USMNT Watch: Wright, Agyemang & Weah shine in Europe with crucial goals

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Marseille’s US forward #22 Timothy Weah celebrates after scoring a goal during the French L1 football match between SCO Angers and Olympique de Marseille (OM) at the Stade Raymond-Kopa in Angers, central Framce, on January 17, 2026. (Photo by JEAN-FRANCOIS MONIER / AFP)

The United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) players continued to impress across Europe this weekend, finding the scoresheet in some of the continent’s most competitive leagues.

Goals from France’s Ligue 1, England’s Championship, and the German Bundesliga highlighted another strong round of performances abroad.

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup fast approaching and set to be hosted on home soil, this surge in form couldn’t come at a better time as American players better prepared and more competitive than ever before.

Sports Talk ranks the best performers who found the scoresheet across Europe.

Patrick Agyemang

The former Charlotte forward scored a crucial goal in the English Championship to power Derby County to a 1-0 win against Preston North End.

The 25-year-old who has been in fine form since he moved to England last July, broke the deadlock for the Rams with his header in the 82nd minute.

The effort was Agyemang’s seventh Championship goal of the season on his 23rd outing.

Haji Wright

Wright was the second American to light up the Championship over the weekend…

He came off the bench to grab the match-winning goal for Coventry City that ended his goal drought since October in their 2-1 defeat of Leicester City.

Introduced by Frank Lampard in the 67th minute, the 27-year-old continue with Tatsuhiro Sakamoto’s cross to secure three points for Coventry in the 85th minute.

His last goal was against Sheffield Wednesday on October 4 and he has now bagged nine goals in 23 league games this term.

Haji Wright of Coventry City during the Sky Bet Championship match between Millwall and Coventry City at The Den on October 01, 2025 in London, England.

Timothy Weah

The versatile winger was among the goals as Olympique Marseille ran rampant in the French Ligue 1 with a 5-2 triumph against Angers.

Weah finished off a brilliant team movement with his header in the 40th minute to give Marseille a 4-0 lead at halftime.

The Juventus loanee has been a key figure in De Zerbi’s defensive set-up this season and his versatility on the flanks has seen him score two goals and provide an assist in 15 Ligue 1 matches this season.

James Sands

The New York City loanee opened his Bundesliga goal account in St. Pauli’s 3-2 loss to Borussia Dortmund.

With St. Pauli trailing 2-0, Sands tried to inspire a comeback with his goal in the 62nd minute but it was not enough as Dortmund grabbed a late winner in the stoppage time.

The American defender played from start to finish in the game that was his 16th appearance in the German top division this season.

Brenden Aaronson & Antonee Robinson

Aaronson and Robinson faced off in the Premier League as Leeds United hosted Fulham at Elland Road.

The game ended in favour in Aaronson as Leeds secured a hard-fought 1-0 for thier first league win of the new year.

Aaronson and Robinson played the entire 90 minutes but the former was replaced in stoppage time.





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