REPORT: Stunning Details Emerge On The Future Of Canadian Sports Broadcasting Giant TSN
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:
“Industry insiders indicate Bell Media could be actively exploring the sale of TSN and its affiliated properties. This isn’t just idle speculation – it’s part of what many consider to be a a larger strategic shift at Bell, which has already announced plans to divest its MLSE shares.
The company’s priorities became even clearer with Bell Canada’s $3.6 billion acquisition of Ziply Fiber, a Pacific Northwest broadband provider serving Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Montana. The message is clear: Bell is pivoting away from media content toward core telecommunications infrastructure…
This potential sale could reshape the entire Canadian sports media landscape, particularly as streaming services increasingly compete for sports rights. TSN’s current portfolio, including CFL, FIFA, and regional NHL rights, could be attractive to multiple buyers, including streaming platforms looking to expand their live sports offerings.”
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.
