Yahoo Sports Launches 24/7 Free Streaming Network, Expanding Video Strategy

Yahoo Sports has officially launched the Yahoo Sports Network, a new 24/7 free, ad-supported streaming TV (FAST) channel, marking a significant expansion of its video content strategy. The network, which debuted today, is immediately available on LG Channels and Sling Freestream, with plans for rapid expansion to Samsung TV Plus, Amazon Fire TV, Fubo, Plex, Prime Video, and The Roku Channel in the coming weeks. The new channel will also be accessible via yahoosports.tv, a dedicated hub for Yahoo Sports video content.

The initiative aims to provide continuous sports shows, news, and comprehensive coverage to a broad audience. Ryan Spoon, President of Yahoo Media Group, announced the launch, stating in a social media post, > "Introducing: @YahooSports Network. 24/7 sports shows, news, and coverage - available today on LG, Sling, and https://t.co/Su34yShmFo. Coming very soon to Samsung, Amazon, Fubo, Roku, Plex, and more."

The Yahoo Sports Network will feature over 60 hours of original programming each week, covering a wide array of sports including NFL, NBA, MLB, and combat sports. This programming includes live shows such as "The Ariel Helwani Show," "Yahoo Sports Daily," "Inside Coverage," and "Yahoo Fantasy Forecast," alongside recorded series like "The Kevin O’Connor Show" and "Football 301." The launch underscores Yahoo's commitment to its video business, which has seen substantial growth, with YouTube watch time for its shows increasing tenfold year-over-year.

Ryan Spoon, who was appointed President of Yahoo Sports in June 2023 and recently promoted to lead the broader Yahoo Media Group, emphasized the company's focus on meeting fans where they are. "Our video business is growing rapidly – across the number of shows we produce, the hours of content we deliver, and most importantly, the viewership by fans," Spoon stated, expressing excitement to make the network widely available. This move aligns with Yahoo's strategy under Apollo Global Management, which acquired the company in 2021, to leverage its brand equity and distribution in new media formats.

The launch is a collaboration with C15 Studio, a specialist in operating premium sports FAST channels for organizations like Formula 1 and MotoGP. This partnership allows Yahoo Sports to deliver a robust content lineup without pursuing expensive live game rights, instead focusing on commentary, analysis, and fan-centric programming. The ad-supported model also creates new inventory for advertisers, tapping into the growing demand for free sports content amidst rising subscription costs in the streaming market.