The E.W. Scripps Company is expanding its footprint in the evolving sports media landscape with the launch of a new free streaming destination built around live events and original programming. Scripps Sports Network, a 24/7 FAST channel, will debut Tuesday offering a mix of live games, studio programming, documentaries and acquired content.
The network will be available across several major platforms at launch or shortly thereafter, including The Roku Channel, Samsung TV Plus, Amazon Prime Video, Google TV and Plex, with additional distribution partners expected.
The move arrives as demand for accessible sports content continues to grow, particularly within the streaming ecosystem. Scripps executives point to rising engagement across its existing properties, noting that combined streaming viewership for the National Women’s Soccer League and the Women’s National Basketball Association on ION increased by 25% in 2025.
“In today’s fragmented sports media landscape, Scripps Sports Network is meeting the moment as a reliable, easy-to-access home for passionate fans,” said Keisha Taylor Starr, general manager of Scripps Networks and chief marketing officer.
Programming will lean heavily into women’s sports while also incorporating emerging leagues and non-traditional competitions. The network plans to carry approximately 100 live events annually, including games from the Professional Women’s Hockey League, the NWSL and Major League Volleyball, along with competitions such as the Pro Cheer League and Athlos NYC track and field event.
Additionally, Scripps Sports Network will feature select programming tied to existing rights agreements, including content involving the National Hockey League and the NCAA. Encore presentations of WNBA games that originally aired on ION will also play a significant role in the schedule.
Scripps Sports President Brian Lawlor said the new network creates an opportunity to extend the company’s reach while building new partnerships.
“A dedicated 24/7 sports FAST channel allows us to further leverage our existing sports rights, create a platform for emerging league partnerships and grow our position in sports, particularly women’s sports,” Lawlor said.
Beyond live events, the network is investing in original content, with at least 10 series currently in development. Early projects include shows hosted by veteran broadcaster Suzy Kolber and Olympic gold medalist Sanya Richards-Ross, both of which will focus on storytelling and athlete-driven conversations.
The channel will also feature acquired programming such as Cold as Balls, the interview series hosted by Kevin Hart, along with a lineup of sports podcasts curated for the platform.
From a business standpoint, Scripps has already secured State Farm as its foundational advertising partner, reinforcing the company’s strategy of pairing premium sports content with broad, free distribution.
As Scripps continues to build out its sports portfolio, the launch of Scripps Sports Network signals a deeper push into streaming, where accessibility, scale and niche content offerings increasingly define success.
Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.
