History of Fox Sports Networks in Timeline
Fox Sports Networks (FSN), a group of U.S. regional sports channels, was formed in 1996 by News Corporation. After Disney acquired 21st Century Fox in 2019, it was required to sell FSN. Sinclair purchased the networks and continued the Fox Sports name under a transitional agreement. In 2021, a rebranding partnership with Bally's Corporation resulted in the networks becoming Bally Sports, ending the Fox Sports Networks branding after 25 years.
1976: SportsChannel Launches
One of the most notable regional sports networks, SportsChannel, first began operating in 1976 with the launch of the original SportsChannel in the New York City area.
1983: Prime Network Launches
Prime Network, another notable RSN, launched in 1983 with Home Sports Entertainment as its charter member network.
October 31, 1995: News Corporation and Liberty Media Form Joint Venture
News Corporation entered into a joint venture with Liberty Media, acquiring a 50% ownership interest in Prime Sports affiliates on October 31, 1995.
1995: Prime Sports KBL Established
Prime Sports KBL was established in 1995.
July 1, 1996: Fox Sports Net Launches Without Representation in New York
On July 1, 1996, Fox Sports Net launched without an outlet in New York City. To address this, they partnered with WBIS-TV, a new station with an "S+" format (sports and business news), paying $30 million for five years of game broadcasts and nightly news shows. This partnership aimed to provide Fox Sports Net with a presence in the crucial New York market.
July 3, 1996: Prime Sports to Rebrand as Fox Sports Net
It was announced that Prime Sports networks would be rebranded under the "Fox Sports Net" brand on July 3, 1996.
1996: Home Team Sports Affiliated with FSN
Home Team Sports had been affiliated with FSN since 1996.
1996: Fox Sports Net Launches "National Sports Report" to Compete with ESPN's "SportsCenter"
In 1996, Fox Sports Net launched "National Sports Report," a daily sports news program designed to rival ESPN's "SportsCenter." Despite efforts to boost its ratings, such as hiring popular anchor Keith Olbermann, "National Sports Report" struggled to gain traction.
1996: Fox Sports Networks Forms
News Corporation formed Fox Sports Networks in 1996.
1996: Prime Sports KBL Becomes Fox Sports Pittsburgh
Prime Sports KBL was rebranded as Fox Sports Pittsburg in 1996.
January 1997: SportSouth Rebranded as Fox Sports South
Fox Sports purchased SportSouth from Turner and rebranded that network as Fox Sports South in January 1997
June 30, 1997: Fox/Liberty Acquires Interest in Cablevision/NBC Sports Properties
The Fox/Liberty joint venture purchased a 40% interest in Cablevision/NBC's sports properties, including the SportsChannel America networks, on June 30, 1997.
1997: Comcast Agrees to Carry Fox Sports Net Programming
Comcast entered into an agreement in 1997 to feature select programming from Fox Sports Net on its six Comcast SportsNet regional networks.
1997: Comcast and Fox Sports Net Negotiate Sports Coverage in Philadelphia
In 1997, a complex deal unfolded involving Comcast, Fox Sports Net, and Rainbow Media. This was triggered by Comcast's acquisition of Spectacor and a stake in the Philadelphia 76ers, leading to the launch of Comcast SportsNet. The deal resulted in SportsChannel Philadelphia and PRISM's local coverage moving to Comcast SportsNet, which became an FSN affiliate, while PRISM was replaced by Starz!.
1998: Fox Sports Net Relocates National Studio Programming to the Fox Network Center
In 1998, Fox Sports Net relocated its national studio programming operations to the new Fox Network Center in Century City, California. This move brought the network's studio productions to a state-of-the-art facility located on the 20th Century Fox backlot.
1998: SportsChannel America Integrates into Fox Sports Net
SportsChannel America was integrated into the Fox Sports Net family of networks in early 1998.
1999: Liberty Media Sells Interest in Fox Sports Net and FX to News Corp
Liberty Media sold its interest in Fox Sports Net and FX to News Corp in 1999. News Corp became the sole owner of Fox Sports Net.
July 11, 2000: Comcast Purchases Interest in Midwest Sports Channel and Home Team Sports
Comcast purchased a majority interest in Midwest Sports Channel and Home Team Sports from Viacom on July 11, 2000.
September 7, 2000: Comcast and News Corporation Trade Equity Interests
On September 7, 2000, Comcast traded its equity interest in Midwest Sports Channel to News Corporation in exchange for exclusive ownership of Home Team Sports.
2000: Fox Sports Net Debuts "Regional Sports Report" to Complement "National Sports Report"
In 2000, Fox Sports Net introduced "Regional Sports Report," a news program with a localized focus, to complement its national sports coverage. Each regional edition of the program highlighted local sports news and scores, catering to specific markets.
2000: SportsChannel Florida Joins FSN
SportsChannel Florida joined FSN in 2000 after News Corporation and Cablevision purchased Florida Panthers owner Wayne Huizenga's controlling interest in that network.
February 2002: Fox Sports Net Cancels "National Sports Report"
In February 2002, after years of declining ratings and increasing production costs, Fox Sports Net made the decision to cancel "National Sports Report." The show, which was originally envisioned as a two-hour program to rival ESPN's "SportsCenter," had seen its running time steadily reduced over the years.
2002: Fox Sports Net Cancels Many Regional Editions of "Regional Sports Report"
In 2002, Fox Sports Net made the difficult decision to cancel many regional editions of "Regional Sports Report" due to rising production costs. The program, which had debuted just two years earlier, aimed to provide viewers with a more localized sports news experience.
September 2004: Fox Sports Net Becomes FSN
Fox Sports Net became known simply as "FSN" in September 2004.
February 22, 2005: News Corporation Acquires Full Ownership of FSN
News Corporation acquired full ownership of FSN, following an asset trade with Cablevision Systems Corporation on February 22, 2005.
2005: Nickelodeon Studios Closes
Fox Sports Networks maintained production facilities at Stage 19 at Universal Studios Florida, which formerly served as home of Nickelodeon Studios until its closure in 2005.
June 2006: Fox Sports Chicago Ceases Operations
Fox Sports Chicago ceased operations in June 2006 after losing regional cable television rights to local professional teams.
November 10, 2006: Fox Sports Networks Distributes Its First Pay-Per-View Event
On November 10, 2006, Fox Sports Networks ventured into the pay-per-view market by distributing its first pay-per-view event: a boxing match featuring former heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield taking on Fres Oquendo at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas.
December 22, 2006: News Corporation Sells Interest in Four Fox Sports Networks
News Corporation sold its interest in four Fox Sports regional networks – FSN Utah, FSN Pittsburgh, FSN Northwest and FSN Rocky Mountain – on December 22, 2006.
April 30, 2007: Cablevision Sells Interests to Comcast
Cablevision sold its 50% interests in the New England and Bay Area networks to Comcast for $570 million on April 30, 2007.
July 2007: FSN New England Becomes Comcast SportsNet New England
FSN New England relaunched as Comcast SportsNet New England in July 2007.
February 2008: Fox Sports Networks Launches "Americans in Focus" Public Service Initiative
In February 2008, Fox Sports Networks introduced "Americans in Focus," a public service initiative aimed at highlighting the stories of non-white individuals. Supported by Farmers Insurance, the initiative featured one-minute vignettes airing during Black History Month, Hispanic Heritage Month, and Asian Pacific American Heritage Month.
March 2008: FSN Bay Area Becomes Comcast SportsNet Bay Area
FSN Bay Area relaunched as Comcast SportsNet Bay Area in March 2008
October 15, 2008: Fox Sports Networks Airs "Americans in Focus" During Hispanic Heritage Month
On October 15, 2008, as part of its commitment to diversity and inclusion, Fox Sports Networks aired its "Americans in Focus" vignettes during Hispanic Heritage Month. These short segments celebrated the achievements and contributions of Hispanic Americans.
2008: Fox Sports Net Shifts Branding Strategy for National Sports Telecasts
In 2008, Fox Sports Net implemented a branding shift for its national sports telecasts, moving away from prominent "FSN" and "Fox" branding. This strategic decision was driven by the rebranding and realignment of several Fox Sports Net affiliates with other regional sports network (RSN) chains.
March 2009: Fox Sports Networks Airs "Americans in Focus" During Asian Pacific American Heritage Month
In March 2009, Fox Sports Networks continued its "Americans in Focus" public service initiative by airing vignettes during Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. These segments showcased the stories and accomplishments of Asian Pacific Americans.
April 2009: Fox Sports Networks Discontinues "Americans in Focus" Initiative
In April 2009, Fox Sports Networks made the decision to discontinue its "Americans in Focus" public service initiative. The initiative, which had run for over a year, had aimed to promote diversity and inclusion by profiling non-white individuals.
May 4, 2009: DirecTV to Become Part of Liberty's Entertainment Unit
DirecTV Group Inc. announced it would become a part of Liberty's entertainment unit on May 4, 2009.
November 19, 2009: DirecTV Sports Networks Forms
The DirecTV spin-off was completed on November 19, 2009, and DirecTV began operating the four acquired FSN-affiliated networks through its new division, DirecTV Sports Networks.
2010: Fox Sports Local Adopted
The name "Fox Sports Local" was adopted in 2010 for use in referencing the regional networks.
April 1, 2011: DirecTV Sports Networks Rebrands Regional Affiliates
On April 1, 2011, DirecTV Sports Networks rebranded its FSN regional affiliates, changing the name to Root Sports.
2011: Fox Sports Pittsburgh Renamed Root Sports Pittsburgh
Fox Sports Pittsburgh was renamed Root Sports Pittsburgh in 2011.
July 31, 2012: Comcast's Agreement to Carry Fox Sports Net Programming Ends
Comcast's agreement to carry select programming from Fox Sports Net on its six Comcast SportsNet regional networks ended on July 31, 2012.
August 2012: Comcast SportsNet Ends Carriage of Fox Sports Networks Programming
In August 2012, a significant shift occurred in the sports broadcasting landscape as member channels of Comcast SportsNet discontinued carrying Fox Sports Networks programming. This change marked the end of broadcast agreements between the two competing regional sports networks.
September 2012: Fox Sports Networks Syndicates College Football and Basketball Games to Broadcast TV Stations
Beginning in September 2012, Fox Sports Networks took steps to expand the reach of its college sports coverage. They began syndicating select college football and basketball games produced by their regional networks to broadcast television stations in specific markets.
2012: News Corporation Acquires Stake in YES Network and Relocates FSN Headquarters
In 2012, News Corporation acquired a 49% stake in the YES Network. Additionally, FSN/Fox Sports Local relocated its headquarters from Los Angeles to Houston, Texas, and underwent a rebranding.
July 1, 2013: News Corporation Spins Off Entertainment Properties
On July 1, 2013, News Corporation spun off its FSN owned-and-operated networks, along with most of its U.S. entertainment properties, into 21st Century Fox.
September 2013: Fox Sports Networks Concludes Syndication of College Sports Games to Broadcast TV Stations
In September 2013, Fox Sports Networks concluded its initiative of syndicating college football and basketball games to broadcast television stations. This strategic move had allowed the network to reach a wider audience in markets where Comcast SportsNet had dropped coverage.
September 2013: FSN New York Shares National Programming Affiliation
In September 2013, MSG Plus, formerly FSN New York, began sharing the affiliation for FSN's national programming.
2013: Fox Sports Networks Operates Fox College Sports, a Slate of Three Digital Cable Channels
In 2013, Fox Sports Networks operated Fox College Sports (FCS), which encompassed three digital cable channels: Fox College Sports Atlantic, Fox College Sports Central, and Fox College Sports Pacific. These channels provided regional sports programming, primarily featuring collegiate and high school sports, as well as minor league events.
January 25, 2014: 21st Century Fox Becomes YES Networks' Majority Owner
On January 25, 2014, 21st Century Fox increased its ownership interest in the YES Networks from 49% to 80%, making it the majority owner.
2014: Fox Sports Networks' Pay-Per-View Coverage of SEC Games Ends with the Launch of the SEC Network
In 2014, the launch of the SEC Network brought an end to Fox Sports Networks' pay-per-view coverage of Southeastern Conference (SEC) football games. This new network, dedicated solely to SEC sports, provided comprehensive coverage of the conference's athletic events.
December 14, 2017: Disney Announces Intention to Acquire 21st Century Fox
On December 14, 2017, The Walt Disney Company announced its plan to acquire 21st Century Fox. The deal, valued at $52.4 billion, was set to include Fox Sports' regional operations, but the Justice Department mandated the divestiture of these assets within 90 days of the acquisition's completion.
2017: Root Sports Pittsburgh Ceases to Exist
Root Sports Pittsburgh was dissolved in 2017.
November 20, 2018: Bids Submitted for Fox Sports Networks
On November 20, 2018, several entities, including Amazon, Sinclair and CVC jointly, Apollo, KKR, and Tegna, officially submitted bids for the Fox Sports Networks. A Sinclair/CVC joint venture emerged as a leading bidder.
December 2018: Potential Sale of Fox Sports Networks as Individual Entities
In December 2018, due to low bids, the possibility of selling the Fox Sports Networks individually rather than as a single group arose. The banks initiated discussions with parties that had made partial bids, including Amazon, interested in the YES Network, and Charter, focused on Fox Sports South.
January 11, 2019: Sinclair/CVC Joint Venture Remains Sole Bidder for Fox Sports Networks
On January 11, 2019, CNBC reported that the Sinclair/CVC joint venture was the only remaining bidder for the Fox Sports Networks, with other potential buyers, including Apollo, Blackstone, and CVC, withdrawing from the deal.
January 2019: Fox Corporation Withdraws from Bidding for Fox Sports Networks
In a January 2019 SEC filing, Fox Corporation revealed that it no longer intended to bid for the Fox Sports Networks.
February 2019: Liberty Media and MLB Submit Offers for Fox Sports Networks
In February 2019, after Apollo and Sinclair withdrew from the bidding process, Liberty Media and Major League Baseball (MLB) submitted offers for the Fox Sports Networks.
March 8, 2019: Yankees Reach Deal to Repurchase YES Network
On March 8, 2019, the Yankees struck a deal to buy back Fox's stake in the YES Network for $3.5 billion, with Sinclair, Amazon, and The Blackstone Group becoming minority shareholders. Concurrently, MLB confirmed a $10 billion bid for the networks.
March 20, 2019: Disney Acquires Fox Sports Networks
The Walt Disney Company acquired Fox Sports Networks from 21st Century Fox on March 20, 2019.
April 15, 2019: Final Bids Due for Fox Sports Networks
The deadline for final bids for the Fox Sports Networks was April 15, 2019, with bids expected to exceed $10 billion. Liberty and MLB reportedly collaborated on a joint bid, while Big3's bid included $6.5 billion in debt and $3 billion in external funding. Sinclair had rejoined the competition in partnership with Apollo.
April 2019: Big3 Accuses Charter of Attempting to Undermine its Bid
Big3 filed a complaint with the Department of Justice and FCC in April 2019, alleging that Charter Communications, in which Liberty Media owner John Malone had an ownership stake, was trying to sabotage its bid by threatening not to carry the Fox Sports Networks if Big3 won the auction. Charter denied these accusations.
June 18, 2019: Disney Required to Sell Regional Networks
As a condition of its acquisition of 21st Century Fox, the U.S. Department of Justice required Disney to sell the Fox Sports Networks by June 18, 2019.
July 2019: Dish Network and Sling TV Drop Fox Sports Networks
Dish Network and Sling TV removed Fox Sports Networks from their channel lineups in July 2019 due to carriage disputes.
August 22, 2019: Sinclair Acquires Fox Sports Networks
Disney completed the sale of Fox Sports Networks to Sinclair on August 22, 2019. The networks continued to use the Fox Sports name under a transitional license agreement.
November 2019: Fox Sports Florida to be Rebranded
In November 2019, the Sun-Sentinel reported that Fox Sports Florida was slated for a rebranding "within the next few months".
January 2020: FuboTV Drops Fox Sports Networks
FuboTV dropped the Fox Sports Networks from its offerings in January 2020 amidst carriage disputes.
October 2020: YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV Drop Fox Sports Networks
In October 2020, YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV followed suit, dropping Fox Sports Networks from their platforms due to ongoing carriage disputes.
November 4, 2020: Sinclair Takes $4.23 Billion Write-Down on FSN Purchase
On November 4, 2020, Sinclair recorded a $4.23 billion write-down related to its purchase of FSN.
November 17, 2020: Sinclair Explores Rebranding Fox Sports Networks
Sportico reported on November 17, 2020, that Sinclair was contemplating rebranding the Fox Sports Networks through a naming rights deal and was engaging in discussions with several sports betting companies.
December 2020: Sinclair Announces Bally's Corporation Naming Rights Deal
Sinclair revealed on November 18, 2020, that it had secured a 10-year naming rights agreement with casino operator Bally's Corporation for the Fox Sports Networks. The deal encompassed the integration of Bally's content across the channels and other Sinclair properties and included a warrant granting Sinclair the option to acquire up to 24.9% of Bally's Corporation.
January 27, 2021: Sinclair Announces Rebranding of Fox Sports Networks as Bally Sports
On January 27, 2021, Sinclair declared that the Fox Sports Networks would be rebranded as Bally Sports. As part of the rebranding, Fox Sports Carolinas and Fox Sports Tennessee would cease to exist, with their sports programming distributed to Bally Sports South and Southeast. Prime Ticket and SportsTime Ohio would become Bally Sports SoCal and Bally Sports Great Lakes, respectively, to better align with their target markets.
March 2021: Sinclair Sets March 31 Relaunch Date for Bally Sports
Sinclair disclosed in March 2021 that the rebranding to Bally Sports would take effect on March 31, the day before Major League Baseball's Opening Day.
March 31, 2021: Fox Sports Networks Rebranded as Bally Sports
Fox Sports Networks was rebranded as Bally Sports on March 31, 2021, ending the Fox Sports Networks branding after 25 years.
2021: Oklahoma Sooners End Pay-Per-View Broadcasts, Marking the End of an Era for Fox Sports Networks
In 2021, the University of Oklahoma Sooners made the decision to discontinue pay-per-view broadcasts of their football games, effectively ending an era for Fox Sports Networks. Oklahoma had been the last remaining school to offer select games on pay-per-view through the network.
2021: Sinclair Plans Launch of Bally's-Branded Streaming Service
In December 2020, Sinclair announced its intention to introduce a direct-to-consumer streaming service under the Bally's brand in 2021. The service would feature live streams of its linear sports networks.
