A new report provides major details on the future of The Sports Network (TSN), one of Canada’s biggest broadcasting networks.
TSN, owned by Bell Media, is one of the nation’s two marquee sports networks along with the rival Sportsnet (owned by Rogers Communications). After recently celebrating its 40-year anniversary on the air, major changes could be coming to the network.
According to a report from Jonah Sigel of YYZ Sports Media, Bell Media may soon look to sell the broadcasting giant. The report claims that the company wants to move out of the rapidly changing sports media world to focus more on their “telecommunications infrastructure.”
Here’s what the report says:
.@TIME Athlete of the Year: @CaitlinClark22.
(Via: @TIME , @WNBA) pic.twitter.com/I2LK9s4Av3
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) December 10, 2024
The network was dealt a major blow in 2013 when the rival Sportsnet purchased NHL broadcasting rights for a whopping $5.2 billion over 12 years. TSN used to air prime-time games featuring all seven Canadian teams, as well as Stanley Cup playoff games up until the third round of the postseason.
The Sports Network still has regional broadcast contracts with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Ottawa Senators and Montreal Canadiens. But Sportsnet has full broadcast rights for the postseason, as well as the rights to air games through networks in the United States (including ESPN and TNT).
That said, Bell Media’s network still carries rights for NFL, NBA and some MLB games.
Bell Media Has Lost Several Marquee TSN Talents Over The Years
During February 2021, Bell Media announced a long list of layoffs amid the COVID-19 pandemic. This included two prominent anchors in Natasha Staniszewski and Dan O’Toole and Ottawa Senators reporter Brent Wallace.
The company was dealt another significant blow a year earlier when legendary NHL and CFL play-by-play voice Chris Cuthbert left to take over as the main voice for Sportsnet’s hockey coverage.
TSN has been a mainstay in Canadian households for four decades. We’ll find out soon enough what the future holds for the broadcast giant.
