View source for The Sports Network

{{short description|Canadian English-language regional sports networks owned by Bell Media and ESPN}}
{{About|the Canadian television network|the sports information service|The Sports Network (wire service)|other uses of “TSN”|TSN (disambiguation){{!}}TSN}}
{{Distinguish|Sportsnet}}
{{Use Canadian English|date = January 2015}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2020}}
{{Infobox television channel
| name = The Sports Network
| logo = TSN Logo.svg
| launch_date = {{start date and age|1984|09|01}}
| closed_date = 
| language = [[English language|English]]
| picture_format = [[1080i]] ([[High-definition television|HDTV]])<br /><small>(HD feed downgraded to [[Letterboxing (filming)|letterboxed]] [[480i]] for [[Standard-definition television|SDTV]]s)</small><br />[[4K resolution|4K]] ([[Ultra-high-definition television|UHDTV]]) <small>(part-time, selected broadcasts)</small>
| network = 
| owner = [[CTV Specialty Television]]
| parent = The Sports Network Inc.
| country = [[Canada]]
| headquarters = [[9 Channel Nine Court|Bell Media Agincourt]], [[Scarborough, Ontario|Scarborough]], [[Toronto]], Ontario
| former_names = 
| replaced = 
| sister_channels = [[TSN1]]<br />[[TSN2]]<br />[[TSN3]]<br />[[TSN4]]<br />[[TSN5]]<br />TSN on CTV<br />[[Réseau des sports|RDS]]<br />[[RDS2]]<br />[[RDS Info]]
| timeshift_service = 
| website = {{official URL}}
| online_serv_1 = TSN Direct
| online_chan_1 = {{URL|www.tsn.ca/subscribe}} {{small|(Canadian subscribers only)}}
}}
'''The Sports Network''' ('''TSN''') is a [[Television in Canada|Canadian]] [[English language]] [[Discretionary service|discretionary]] [[Sports broadcasting|sports]] [[specialty channel]] owned by [[CTV Specialty Television]], a joint venture of [[Bell Media]] (80%) and [[ESPN Inc.]] (20%). TSN was established by the [[Labatt Brewing Company]] in 1984 as part of the first group of Canadian specialty cable channels.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.crtc.gc.ca/eng/archive/1984/PB84-81.HTM|title=Public Notice CRTC 1984-81|author=Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission|date=April 2, 1984|access-date=February 22, 2011|author-link=Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission}}</ref> In 2013, TSN was the largest specialty channel in Canada in terms of gross revenue, with a total of {{CAD|400.4 million|link=yes}} in revenue.<ref name=gandm-tsn5/>{{update inline|date=May 2023}}

TSN broadcasts primarily from studio facilities located at [[9 Channel Nine Court|Bell Media Agincourt]] in the [[Scarborough, Ontario|Scarborough]] neighbourhood of [[Toronto]], Ontario. [[Stewart Johnston]] currently serves as president of TSN, a position he has held since 2010. TSN's networks focus on sports-related programming, including live and recorded event telecasts, sports talk shows, and other original programming.

==History==
=== Early history ===
[[File:TSN logo (original).svg|left|100px|thumb|TSN's original logo, used from launch until 2001]]
Licensed by the [[Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission]] (CRTC) on April 2, 1984, as the ''Action Canada Sports Network'',<ref name="crtc-approved">{{cite web|url=http://www.crtc.gc.ca/eng/archive/1984/DB84-339.htm |title=CRTC Decision CRTC 84–339 |date=April 2, 1984 |publisher=CRTC |access-date=March 3, 2011}}</ref> the channel was launched by the Labatt Brewing Company on September 1 of the same year as The Sports Network, or TSN. The network was founded under the leadership of [[Gordon Craig (sports executive)|Gordon Craig]], a former employee of [[CBC Sports]]; alongside coverage of the then co-owned<ref name="crtc-approved"/> [[Toronto Blue Jays]], TSN also reached a deal with ESPN (itself only 5 years old) shortly before launch to provide additional programs. Although reaching around 400,000 subscribers, TSN's early years were hindered by its initial status as a [[premium television|premium]] service, bundled in a high-cost package with movie channels such as [[The Movie Network|First Choice]] and [[Movie Central|Superchannel]], alongside competition with free-to-air sports broadcasts by [[CBC Television]] among others.<ref name=bc-rookietopro/>

To improve the prominence of the network, TSN sought to obtain the national cable rights to the [[National Hockey League]]—rights that, according to the league, were not sold under the current arrangement with CBC. However, the task was complicated by claims by CBC that it owned the cable rights to the NHL, along with the involvement of competing beer company [[Molson]] in Canadian NHL rights at the time. With the help of a Molson employee who was a friend of Gordon, a deal was reached between TSN, Molson, and the NHL to allow the network to broadcast games on cable.<ref name=bc-rookietopro>{{cite web|title=From Rookie to Pro|url=http://www.broadcastermagazine.com/news/from-rookie-to-pro/1000191504/?&er=NA|website=Broadcaster Magazine|access-date=August 25, 2014}}</ref>

By December 1987, TSN had reached one million subscribers, but the network's staff sought wider distribution for the channel as part of [[basic cable]] service; the CRTC approved the network's request for permission to allow TSN to be carried as part of a basic cable lineup. Mike Day, producer of TSN's daily sports news program ''SportsDesk'' lamented about the shift to basic cable and the larger audience it would bring, commenting that "one night you're doing a news show that potentially has an audience of one million people, and the next day the potential is five million people."<ref name=bc-rookietopro/><ref name="CRTC 87-901">{{cite web|title=Decision CRTC 87-901|date=December 1987 |url=http://www.crtc.gc.ca/eng/archive/1987/DB87-901.HTM|publisher=CRTC|access-date=August 25, 2014}}</ref> 
In 1990, TSN acquired rights to the [[IIHF World Junior Championship]], otherwise known as the "World Juniors", which were previously broadcast by CBC. TSN's coverage, along with the recent "[[Punch-up in Piestany]]" incident and a strong performance by [[Canada men's national junior ice hockey team|Canada]] at the tournament in the mid-1990s, helped to significantly heighten the profile of the tournament in the country (even more so than in other participating countries), to the point that it is, alongside U.S. [[college football]] [[bowl games]], regarded as a traditional sporting event of the holiday season in Canada.<ref name=gandm-wjmolehill>{{cite news|title=TSN turned World Junior molehill into mountain|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/tsn-turned-world-junior-molehill-into-mountain/article4084348/|access-date=December 21, 2014|work=The Globe and Mail}}</ref>

Due to CRTC regulations on the foreign ownership of broadcasters, Labatt was forced to sell TSN and RDS upon its acquisition by [[InBev#Interbrew|Interbrew]] in 1995. Labatt's broadcasting assets were sold to a privately held consortium named NetStar Communications, the investors of which included a number of Canadian firms as well as [[ESPN Inc.]], which held an interest of about 30 percent. The same CRTC regulations prevented ESPN from establishing its own separate Canadian sports network outright, so acquiring a minority stake in TSN became ESPN's alternative plan to get into the Canadian market. The Sports Network launched its website [https://www.tsn.ca TSN.ca] on October 1, 1995.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tsn.ca/tsn25|title=TSN 25th Anniversary}}</ref>

In 1997, the CRTC began permitting TSN to offer an "alternate feed", which could be used to provide a regional opt-out of the main TSN service for programming that must be [[Blackout (broadcasting)|blacked out]] in the rest of the country. Alternate programming could make up a maximum of 10% of the TSN schedule—an average of 2.4 hours a day.<ref name="crtc-97-290">{{cite web|url=http://www.crtc.gc.ca/eng/archive/1997/DB97-290.htm|title=CRTC Decision 97-290|date=July 3, 1997|publisher=[[Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission]]|access-date=December 24, 2009}}</ref>

===Acquisition by CTV, expansion===
In 2000, after ESPN blocked two attempts by the Canadian partners to sell NetStar to [[Canwest]], [[CTV Television Network|CTV Inc.]] acquired the Canadian partners' shares. CTV Inc. was acquired by [[Bell Canada]] and [[The Woodbridge Company]] (publisher of ''[[The Globe and Mail]]'' newspaper) as part of the joint venture Bell Globemedia in 2001. As a result of its purchase of TSN, CTV would be forced to sell its [[regional sports network]] [[Sportsnet|CTV Sportsnet]], eventually selling it to minority shareholder [[Rogers Media]]. Following the acquisition, TSN would move its operations to CTV's [[9 Channel Nine Court|Agincourt complex]] in the [[Toronto]] district of [[Scarborough, Toronto|Scarborough]].<ref>However, Sportsnet would not move from [[Agincourt, Toronto|Agincourt]] until 2008 (when it moved to the [[Rogers Building (Canada)|Rogers Building]] in [[downtown Toronto]]), which led to the now-competing networks [[9 Channel Nine Court#TSN, Sportsnet, and the "parking lot"|sharing the same building as their headquarters]].</ref> This oddity would become an [[inside joke]] between personalities on both networks, who commonly referred to jumping between the two networks as "crossing the parking lot."<ref name=Complaint>{{cite news|title=Going Downtown |publisher=Globeandmail.com |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/LAC.20070321.TRUTH21/TPStory/TPSports/Television/ |access-date=March 23, 2007 |location=Toronto |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930071932/http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/LAC.20070321.TRUTH21/TPStory/TPSports/Television/ |archive-date=September 30, 2007 }}</ref>

Following the sale, TSN began to closer align its on-air imaging with that of ESPN; the most prominent effect of these changes came with the introduction of a new logo similar to that of ESPN, and the re-branding of TSN's flagship sports news program ''SportsDesk'' as ''[[SportsCentre]]''—a Canadian version (in both format and [[Canadian English|spelling]]) of ESPN's ''[[SportsCenter|SportsCent'''er''']]''.<ref name=bc-rookietopro/> The CRTC, however, objected to plans to rename TSN as "ESPN Canada", citing concerns that it would make it appear that ESPN had ''de facto'' majority control, or at the very least that TSN was ESPN's Canadian affiliate.<ref>{{cite news|title=CTV can acquire TSN if it unloads Sportsnet | publisher=Globeandmail.com |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/ctv-can-acquire-tsn-if-it-unloads-sportsnet/article1038075/ |access-date=March 20, 2017 |location=Toronto | date=March 25, 2000}}</ref>

TSN also launched a number of digital specialty channels in 2001; including a local version of [[ESPN Classic (Canada)|ESPN Classic]], the [[NHL Network (Canada)|NHL Network]]— a network devoted to [[ice hockey]] and the [[National Hockey League]], and [[WTSN (TV channel)|WTSN]]—a channel dedicated to [[women's sports]]<ref name=torstar-wtsn>{{cite news|title=Global ready to launch two sports specialty channels; International soccer, rugby and cricket part of Fox lineup|url=https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/thestar/access/426007481.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Aug+15%2C+2001&author=Chris+Zelkovich&pub=Toronto+Star&desc=Global+ready+to+launch+two+sports+specialty+channels+%3B+International+soccer%2C+rugby+and+cricket+part+of+Fox+lineup&pqatl=google|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130131191722/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/thestar/access/426007481.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Aug+15,+2001&author=Chris+Zelkovich&pub=Toronto+Star&desc=Global+ready+to+launch+two+sports+specialty+channels+;+International+soccer,+rugby+and+cricket+part+of+Fox+lineup&pqatl=google|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 31, 2013|access-date=August 25, 2014|work=Toronto Star}}</ref> On August 15, 2003, TSN became one of the first two specialty television services in Canada (the other being fellow Bell property Discovery Channel, now [[USA Network (Canadian TV channel)|USA Network]]) to be available in [[High-definition television|high definition]].<ref name=tsnhd-launch/> TSN's first live HD broadcast was of a [[Canadian Football League]] game between the [[Montreal Alouettes]] and [[Hamilton Tiger-Cats]]—it was to occur on the same day, but was delayed to August 16 due to a [[Northeast blackout of 2003|major electrical power failure]] that occurred the day prior.<ref name=bc-rookietopro/>

Beginning in 2006, the CRTC officially allowed TSN to operate national secondary digital feeds with limited amounts of alternative programming.<ref name="crtc-2006-620">{{cite web|url=http://www.crtc.gc.ca/eng/archive/2006/db2006-620.htm|title=CRTC Decision 2006-620|date=November 9, 2006|publisher=[[Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission]]|access-date=December 24, 2009}}</ref> Following this development, TSN began to use such a feed to broadcast additional programming that could not be aired on TSN due to scheduling conflicts or other events. On August 29, 2008, the feed evolved into a new 24-hour channel, similar to [[ESPN2]], known as [[TSN2]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://crtc.gc.ca/eng/archive/2008/db2008-352.htm|title=ARCHIVED - Complaint regarding the launch of the digital channel TSN2|last=Government of Canada|first=Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC)|date=December 12, 2008|website=crtc.gc.ca|access-date=August 14, 2019}}</ref> Upon its launch, TSN2 was legally considered a west coast [[timeshift feed]] of TSN,<ref name="tsnkick">{{cite web|url=http://www.reportonbusiness.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080915.wrtsn15/BNStory/Business/home|title=Rivals want TSN2 kicked out of game|date=September 15, 2008|publisher=The Globe and Mail|access-date=September 18, 2008}} {{Subscription required}}</ref> although soon after TSN2 was launched, the CRTC announced a proposal to remove genre exclusivity protections for "mainstream sports" and "national news" channels in the near future. As a byproduct of the decision, TSN would be allowed to use streamlined conditions of licence (legally referred to as a [[Category C services|Category C license]] as of September 2011),<ref name=crtc-catc>{{cite web|title=Broadcasting Notice of Consultation CRTC 2010-931|url=http://www.crtc.gc.ca/eng/archive/2010/2010-931.htm|website=CRTC|date=December 10, 2010 |access-date=August 24, 2014}}</ref> which state that the service may offer "[[Multiplex (TV)|multiple feeds]]" consistent with their licensed programming format, without any restrictions on alternate programming.<ref name="crtc-081003">{{cite web|url=http://www.crtc.gc.ca/eng/archive/2008/pb2008-103.htm|title=Broadcasting Public Notice CRTC 2008-103|date=October 30, 2008|publisher=[[Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission]]|access-date=March 12, 2009}}</ref> TSN was officially permitted to use these streamlined conditions of licence on February 1, 2010.<ref name=crtc-streamline>{{cite web|title=Broadcasting Decision CRTC 2010-49|url=http://www.crtc.gc.ca/eng/archive/2010/2010-49.htm|website=CRTC|date=February 2010 |access-date=August 24, 2014}}</ref>

===Acquisition by Bell, TSN Radio===
On September 10, 2010, [[Bell Canada]] announced plans to re-acquire 100% of CTVglobemedia's broadcasting arm, including its majority control of TSN. Under the deal, Woodbridge Company Limited, [[Torstar]], and the [[Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan]] would together receive $1.3 billion in either cash or equity in BCE, while BCE would also assume $1.7 billion in debt (BCE's existing equity interest is $200 million, for a total transaction value of $3.2 billion). Woodbridge has since simultaneously regained majority control of ''The Globe and Mail'', with Bell retaining a 15% interest in December 2010. The deal closed on April 1, 2011, after the CRTC approved the sale on March 7, 2011 – the new company became known as [[Bell Media]].<ref name="bell-pr-2010">{{cite web|url=http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/September2010/10/c8677.html|title=Bell to acquire 100% of Canada's No.1 media company CTV|publisher=CNW Group|author=Bell Canada|date=September 10, 2010|access-date=September 10, 2010}}</ref>

{{main|TSN Radio}}
After a longstanding speculation about TSN's interest in launching its own TSN-branded radio network (similarly to its [[ESPN Radio|U.S. counterpart]]), TSN entered radio broadcasting with the launch of the first [[TSN Radio]] station, a relaunch of AM station [[CHUM (AM)|CHUM]] in [[Toronto]] on April 13, 2011.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ctvmedia.ca/tsn/releases/release.asp?id=13497&yyyy=2011 |title=TSN RADIO 1050 Hits the Airwaves April 13 |publisher=Ctvmedia.ca |date=February 17, 2011 |access-date=March 3, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110706174539/http://www.ctvmedia.ca/tsn/releases/release.asp?id=13497&yyyy=2011 |archive-date=July 6, 2011 }}</ref> [[Bell Media]]'s [[Bell Media Radio]] division already operated several [[sports radio]] stations elsewhere in Canada (most of which were branded as [[The Team (radio network)|The Team]], a name introduced by previous owner [[CHUM Limited]] in its own failed attempt at establishing a national sports radio network), it was reported that Bell could theoretically relaunch these other stations under the TSN Radio brand in the future.<ref name=reality>[https://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/bruce-dowbiggin/tsn-radio-a-reality/article1878887/ "TSN Radio a reality"]. ''The Globe and Mail'', January 21, 2011.</ref>

Also in 2011, TSN acquired broadcast rights to the new [[Winnipeg Jets]]. TSN would establish another part-time feed, '''TSN Jets''', to broadcast the games. Additionally, co-owned [[CFRW]] would also gain radio rights to the new Jets.<ref name=LotsOfJets>"[https://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/bruce-dowbiggin/get-ready-for-a-lot-of-winnipeg-jets-coverage/article2191608/singlepage/#articlecontent Get ready for a lot of Winnipeg Jets coverage]". ''The Globe and Mail'', October 5, 2011.</ref> CFRW, along with Montreal station [[CKGM]], also migrated to the TSN Radio brand on October 5, 2011.<ref name=NewTSNstations>[http://tsn.ca/radio/story/?id=377331 "TSN Radio launches in Montreal and Winnipeg on Wednesday"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120501184809/http://www.tsn.ca/radio/story/?id=377331 |date=May 1, 2012 }}. ''TSN'', October 3, 2011.</ref> Additionally, Bell would also launch TSN Mobile TV, streaming versions of TSN and TSN2 offered through [[Bell Mobility]]'s [[Bell Mobile TV|Mobile TV]] services.<ref name=variety-mlse/>

On December 9, 2011, the Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan announced that it would sell its majority stake in [[Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment]] to two major telecommunications companies; [[Bell Canada]] (TSN's main parent company) and [[Rogers Communications]] (owners of the competing [[Sportsnet]] chain of sports channels) with a 37.5% share each ([[Larry Tanenbaum]] increased his ownership to a quarter of the company as well), in a deal expected to be valued at around [[Canadian dollar|$]]1.32 billion in total.<ref name=tsn-mlsepurchase>{{cite web|title=BCE and Rogers team up to buy 75 percent of MLSE|url=https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=382315|publisher=TSN.ca|access-date=December 9, 2011}}</ref> The deal was completed in summer 2012, following the approval of Canada's [[Competition Bureau]], the [[Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission]] (with regards to MLSE's television channels), as well as the leagues for each of MLSE's main sports franchises. The deal was expected to have a major impact on future broadcast rights for MLSE's teams, including the [[Toronto Maple Leafs]] and [[Toronto Raptors]], as their ownership of the teams will offer enhanced coverage for the team through new platforms such as [[mobile television]].<ref name=variety-mlse>{{cite news|last=Kelly|first=Brendan|title=Hockey team sale changes game in Canada|url=https://variety.com/2011/tv/news/hockey-team-sale-changes-game-in-canada-1118047663/|publisher=Variety|access-date=December 30, 2011|date=December 17, 2011}}</ref>

In March 2014, TSN launched its [[TV Everywhere]] service TSN Go, allowing subscribers to TSN on participating service providers to stream TSN networks online or through a [[mobile app]]. On launch, TSN Go was available exclusively to [[Bell Satellite TV]] and [[Rogers Cable]] subscribers.<ref name=tsn-tsngo>{{cite web|title=TSN GO brings live streaming of the biggest events in sports|url=https://www.tsn.ca/other_sports/story/?id=446002|work=TSN.ca|access-date=May 6, 2014}}</ref> It has since been expanded to other providers, such as [[Shaw Communications|Shaw]].<ref name=tsngo-shaw>{{cite web|title=TSN GO Now Available to Shaw Cable and Shaw Direct Subscribers|url=https://www.tsn.ca/tsn-go-now-available-to-shaw-cable-and-shaw-direct-subscribers-1.97303|website=TSN.ca|date=October 2, 2014 |access-date=October 31, 2014}}</ref>

=== Loss of national NHL rights, expansion into regional service ===
Following the announcement of Bell and Rogers' acquisition of MLSE, concerns were again raised by critics, speculating that Bell Media could attempt to acquire full rights to the NHL after CBC's current contract with the league expires following the 2013–14 season – using their ownership of the Toronto Maple Leafs, the NHL's highest valued franchise, as an impetus for such a coup. Concerns were also raised that such an arrangement could prevent wireless service providers other than Bell and Rogers from accessing its content; the CRTC had ruled in favour of [[Telus Communications|Telus]] in a decision requiring Bell and other media companies to allow other competing wireless providers access to its content, and not exclusively tie it to their own service (as they had attempted to do with TSN Mobile TV).<ref name=variety-mlse/> However, in November 2013, Rogers Communications announced that it had reached a 12-year deal to become the sole national television rightsholder of the NHL, beginning in the [[2014–15 NHL season|2014–15 season]].<ref name=torstar-hugeblow/>

When losing [[broadcasting rights]] to NHL games, TSN's strategy shifted to cover multiple other platforms including [[college football]], [[NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament|March Madness]], [[The Brier]], and the [[US Open (tennis)|US Open Tennis Championships]]. In January 2015, TSN had the second most watched month in its history at the time.<ref>{{cite news|title=TSN going whole-hog on the World Championships in Prague|last=Jones|first=Terry|date=April 24, 2015|newspaper=[[Edmonton Sun]]|url=https://edmontonsun.com/2015/04/24/tsn-going-whole-hog-on-the-world-championships-in-prague|access-date=April 17, 2025}}</ref>

Critics considered Rogers' move to be a major blow against Bell and TSN, showing concerns for how the network could sustain itself without what is considered a key property in Canadian sports broadcasting. However, they also acknowledged the network's continuing rights to [[IIHF]] hockey tournaments (including the popular [[World Junior Hockey Championships]]), the [[Canadian Football League]] (who renewed their contract with TSN without allowing any outside bidders in 2019 and whose current contract lasts through 2025), and TSN's growing regional NHL rights portfolio, including the Maple Leafs—which would, beginning in the same season, air 26 games on TSN per season.<ref name=tsn-regionalNHL/> In a series of [[Twitter]] posts by TSN personality [[Bob McKenzie (broadcaster)|Bob McKenzie]], he explained that even with the loss of national NHL rights, TSN's goal was to remain "THE source for all things hockey" through its analysis programs and regional coverage, and that this was not the first time that TSN had lost its cable rights to the NHL (having lost them to [[CTV Sportsnet]] for a period upon its launch in 1998).<ref name=torstar-hugeblow/><ref name="sportsnetx">{{cite web|title=From inspiration to perspiration|url=http://www.sportsnet.ca/more/2008/10/08/sportsnet_10yrs/|work=Sportsnet.ca|publisher=Rogers Media|access-date=May 7, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081017070846/http://www.sportsnet.ca/more/2008/10/08/sportsnet_10yrs/|archive-date=October 17, 2008|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name=np-lifeafterhockey>{{cite news|title=Is there life after hockey for TSN? Rogers deal a huge body blow for Canada's largest sports network|url=https://nationalpost.com/sports/hockey/nhl/is-there-life-after-hockey-for-tsn-rogers-deal-a-huge-body-blow-for-canadas-largest-sports-network|access-date=August 24, 2014|work=National Post|date=November 26, 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140824184744/http://sports.nationalpost.com/2013/11/26/is-there-life-after-hockey-for-tsn-rogers-deal-a-huge-body-blow-for-canadas-largest-sports-network/|archive-date=August 24, 2014}}</ref>

On May 6, 2014, TSN announced that it would launch three new channels—'''TSN3''', '''TSN4''', and '''TSN5''', in September 2014 to coincide with the network's 30th anniversary. TSN president [[Stewart Johnston]] described the expansion as an "important evolution" for the network, as it would allow TSN to make more efficient use of its portfolio of sports properties: the network promoted that these new channels would allow TSN to broadcast a larger amount of ESPN content and live events, particularly including expanded coverage of major events (such as [[Grand Slam (tennis)|Grand Slam tennis]], curling tournaments, and the [[NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Championship|NCAA basketball tournament]]) with multiple games occurring simultaneously. Although the expansion was discussed by TSN staff as early as 2012, critics considered the loss of NHL rights to Rogers (which had recently launched its seventh Sportsnet-branded television service with its acquisition of The Score, now [[Sportsnet 360]]) to be a catalyst for the move, as TSN attempts to defend its position as the largest specialty television service in Canada in terms of total revenue.<ref name=gandm-tsn5/><ref name="np-counter"/> The launch date of these new channels were pushed up to August 25, 2014, in order to allow multi-court coverage of the [[2014 US Open (tennis)|2014 US Open tennis tournament]], which began the same day.<ref name=tsn-fivelaunch/> TSN also announced that it would use these new channels to house regional NHL games beginning in the 2014–15 season, featuring the Jets, Maple Leafs, and [[Ottawa Senators]].<ref name=tsn-regionalNHL>{{cite web|title=Sens, Lets, and Leafs featured regionally on TSN's feeds|url=https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=459687|website=TSN.ca|publisher=Bell Media|access-date=August 24, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140820221306/http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=459687|archive-date=August 20, 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> At the same time, Dave Krikst created ''[[BarDown (TSN)|BarDown]],'' a segment on TSN's [[YouTube]] page focused on attracting a younger audience. Made up of TSN producers Jesse Pollock, Corwin McCallum, Daniel Zakrzewski, Luca Celebre, and others, they post hockey-focused quizzes and [[beer league]] content.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Fitz-Gerald |first1=Sean |title=Going BarDown: How an act of protest from TSN created a sports site that caters to young fans |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/1434497/2019/12/30/going-bardown-how-an-act-of-protest-from-tsn-created-a-sports-site-that-caters-to-young-fans/ |publisher=[[The Athletic]] |access-date=July 27, 2023 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220321144640/https://theathletic.com/1434497/2019/12/30/going-bardown-how-an-act-of-protest-from-tsn-created-a-sports-site-that-caters-to-young-fans/ |archive-date=March 21, 2022 |url-status=live |date=December 30, 2019}}</ref>

On January 13, 2016, TSN announced that it would present its first telecast in [[4K resolution|4K]] [[ultra high-definition television|ultra high-definition]]—a [[Toronto Raptors]] basketball game—on January 20, 2016. It was followed by a slate of regional NHL games and other Raptors games in the format.<ref name=tsn-4kraptors>{{cite web|title=TSN delivers live 4K broadcast of Raptors-Celtics|url=https://www.tsn.ca/tsn-delivers-live-4k-broadcast-of-raptors-celtics-1.422478|website=TSN.ca|date=January 13, 2016 |access-date=January 15, 2016}}</ref>

On June 7, 2018, TSN announced that it would offer its channels as part of an [[Over-the-top media services|over-the-top subscription service]] branded as "TSN Direct".<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://theprovince.com/sports/auto-racing/tsn-joins-the-digital-viewer-chase|title=TSN joins the digital viewer chase|date=June 8, 2018|work=The Province|access-date=June 8, 2018|language=en-US}}</ref> By late 2022, the "Direct" branding was dropped.{{citation needed|date=September 2024}}

{{anchor|TSN+}}On January 12, 2023, TSN announced a separate direct-to-consumer service called "TSN+", which launched the same day with a limited-time free preview. The service, which is comparable but not entirely equivalent to [[ESPN+]], initially includes Canadian rights to [[PGA Tour]] Live (acquired after [[Warner Bros. Discovery]]'s [[GolfTV]] ceased operations), the [[NTT IndyCar Series]] (previously on Sportsnet), the relaunching [[XFL (2020)|XFL]], as well as various other properties such as [[La Liga]] and ''[[AEW Rampage]]'' which were previously available as bonus streams to subscribers of the regular TSN service.<ref>{{cite press release|url=https://www.bellmedia.ca/the-lede/press/tsn-acquires-media-rights-to-pga-tour-live-and-launches-all-new-streaming-product-tsn-available-for-free-preview-beginning-today/|title=TSN Acquires Media Rights to PGA TOUR LIVE and Launches All-New Streaming Product TSN+, Available for Free Preview Beginning Today|author=[[Bell Media]]|date=January 12, 2023|access-date=January 13, 2023}}</ref>

==Channels==
[[Image:TSN Regional Feeds.svg|300px|thumb|right|Map of TSN's regional feeds]]
As is permitted for all [[Category C services|Category C]] sports services, the TSN licence is permitted to have multiple channels, and currently encompasses all of the channels listed in the table below. However, unlike premium services like [[Crave (TV network)|Crave]], subscribers receiving one TSN channel are not necessarily automatically entitled to receive all additional channels, and in many cases they are (or previously were) only available by paying a separate charge to a service provider. For example, until 2013, [[Rogers Cable]] customers were required to subscribe to the HD Specialty Pack add-on in order to receive TSN HD (whereas most other HD simulcast channels were provided at no additional charge). On many providers including Rogers, TSN1, 3, 4 and 5 were included in a single package when those feeds launched, but TSN2 was provided only as part of a separate higher-tier package.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://communityforums.rogers.com/t5/forums/forumtopicpage/board-id/PVR_settop_boxes_remotes/thread-id/19344 |title=Why is my current TSN channel being rebranded to TSN4/5? |work=Rogers Community Forums |publisher=[[Rogers Communications]] |date=September 3, 2014 |access-date=September 6, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140906203834/http://communityforums.rogers.com/t5/forums/forumtopicpage/board-id/PVR_settop_boxes_remotes/thread-id/19344 |archive-date=September 6, 2014 }}</ref>

On May 6, 2014, TSN announced plans to launch three additional multiplex channels, for a total of five 24-hour national channels. The existing "TSN" service was replaced by four [[Regional sports network|regionally-focused channels]] (referred to as "feeds")—TSN1, 3, 4, and 5—similar to the Sportsnet regional channels. All five channels are available nationally, but on most local providers, the channel location previously occupied by TSN's primary service was filled by the appropriate regional feed. While major sports telecasts are simulcast across TSN1, 3, 4, and 5 to ensure national coverage, alternative studio shows and live events can also be split across the channels.<ref name=gandm-tsn5/><ref name=tsn-fivefeeds/> The feeds carry a small amount of programming tailored towards their respective regions, including simulcasts of lunch-hour shows from [[TSN Radio]] stations in their relevant region, and regional NHL coverage.<ref name=gandm-tsn5/><ref name=tsn-fivefeeds/><ref name=wfp-jetstsn3/> When TV listings and promotions make a reference to a program airing on "the TSN network" or simply "TSN" without disambiguation, it can normally be assumed that the program will be simulcast on TSN1, 3, 4 and 5.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tsn.ca/2014-nfl-on-ctv-and-tsn-schdule-1.84889|title=2014 NFL on CTV and TSN Schedule|date=September 2014 |publisher=The Sports Network|access-date=October 4, 2014|quote=Note: Broadcasting on "TSN" means TSN1, TSN3, TSN4 and TSN5}}</ref>

Their launch date was originally announced as September 1, 2014, to coincide with the 30th anniversary of TSN's launch,<ref name=gandm-tsn5>{{cite web|title=TSN goes on the offence, unveils three new channels|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/tsn-goes-on-the-offence-unveils-three-new-channels/article18479741/|work=The Globe and Mail|access-date=August 24, 2014|date=May 6, 2014}}</ref><ref name=tsn-fivefeeds>{{cite web|title=TSN expanding to a total of five national feeds|url=https://www.tsn.ca/toronto/story/?id=451378|work=TSN.ca|access-date=May 6, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140506200229/http://www.tsn.ca/toronto/story/?id=451378|archive-date=May 6, 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> but was moved up to August 25 in order to accommodate multiple-court coverage throughout the [[2014 US Open (tennis)|2014 US Open]].<ref name=tsn-fivelaunch>{{cite web|title=TSN's expansion to five national feeds debuts Aug. 25|url=https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=459197|website=TSN.ca|publisher=Bell Media|access-date=August 11, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140812203157/http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=459197|archive-date=August 12, 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> Prior to the launch of the additional feeds, Bell executives stated that the expanded five-channel service would be offered for the same rate as was charged at the time for TSN and TSN2 together.<ref name="np-counter">{{cite web|url=https://nationalpost.com/sports/tsn-announces-plans-for-three-new-channels-six-months-after-rogers-nhl-deal|title=TSN counters Rogers NHL deal with three new channels filled with alternative sports content|first=Sean|last=Fitz-Gerald|work=[[National Post]]|date=May 6, 2014|access-date=June 22, 2014|quote=According to The Canadian Press, Bell chief executive George Cope told shareholders the new channels would not cost consumers more money: "The only impact for them is … you'll now have all five channels available for what you used to be paying for the two."|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140508150408/http://sports.nationalpost.com/2014/05/06/tsn-announces-plans-for-three-new-channels-six-months-after-rogers-nhl-deal/|archive-date=May 8, 2014}}</ref> Notwithstanding this claim, some providers, including [[Shaw Communications|Shaw Cable]], have elected to charge extra for some of the new feeds.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://community.shaw.ca/docs/DOC-3458|title=TV - TSN Channel Free Preview Ends|author=[shaw]james|publisher=Shaw Communications|date=October 24, 2014|access-date=June 9, 2015}}</ref> Most major Canadian television providers carried the new channels upon their launch, including Bell, [[Cogeco]], [[Eastlink (company)|Eastlink]], [[Manitoba Telecom Services|MTS]], [[SaskTel]], [[Shaw Communications|Shaw]], [[Source Cable]], [[Rogers Cable|Rogers]], and [[Telus TV|Telus]].<ref name=tsn-fivelaunch/><ref name="mts-tsn3">{{cite web|url=http://www.mts.ca/mts/support/service+bulletins/changes+to+mts+tv+sept2014|title=Changes to MTS TV|publisher=[[Manitoba Telecom Services]]|access-date=August 3, 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140808051504/http://www.mts.ca/mts/support/service+bulletins/changes+to+mts+tv+sept2014|archive-date=August 8, 2014}}</ref>

Videotron, a cable provider which primarily serves the province of [[Quebec]], was a notable hold-out for the new feeds. On October 13, a ''[[Monday Night Football]]'' game was left unavailable in English (due to a rained out MLB playoff game, [[RDS2]] was able to carry the game in French) to Videotron subscribers because TSN5—the only feed it carried—was airing a regional Ottawa Senators/[[Florida Panthers]] NHL game (a game which also attracted infamy for having the lowest attendance of any Panthers game in team history).<ref name=np-pantherslow>{{cite web|title=Florida Panthers set record for lowest attendance in franchise history|url=https://nationalpost.com/sports/hockey/nhl/florida-panthers-struggling-both-on-the-ice-and-in-the-stands|website=National Post|access-date=May 8, 2015}}</ref> On October 16, 2014, Videotron president Manon Brouillette responded to complaints by subscribers surrounding the incident, and confirmed that it had reached a deal in September to carry the new feeds; the addition of TSN1 to the lineup was accelerated to October 20, 2014, to ensure the availability of that week's ''Monday Night Football'' game, with the remainder added on October 29, 2014.<ref name=gazette-tsnfeeds>{{cite news|title=Videotron adding TSN feeds after subscriber complaints|url=https://montrealgazette.com/entertainment/Videotron+adding+feeds+after+subscriber+complaints/10301819/story.html|access-date=October 31, 2014|work=Montreal Gazette|date=October 16, 2014}}</ref> On November 27, 2016, a one-time overflow channel was used to broadcast a regional [[Ottawa Senators]] game due to conflicts with the [[104th Grey Cup]] (which featured the [[Ottawa RedBlacks]], and was being simulcast across all TSN regional feeds).<ref name="tsn-sensaltchannel">{{cite web|title=PROGRAMMING ALERT: Special TSN Alternate Regional Channel Delivers Sens v. Rangers - Sunday, Nov. 27|url=https://www.tsn.ca/programming-alert-special-tsn-alternate-regional-channel-delivers-sens-v-rangers-sunday-nov-27-1.614103|website=TSN.ca|date=November 22, 2016 |access-date=November 26, 2016}}</ref>

The current TSN feeds, and any programming unique to each feed as per TSN's current TV schedules (subject to pre-emption by either ESPN or TSN due to live events), is shown below.

{| class="wikitable" text-align: center; width="100%"
|- style="color:white;"
! style="background-color:red;color:white;"| Channel
! style="background-color:red;color:white;"| Launch date
! style="background-color:red;color:white;"| Description and programming
|-
| align="center" width="150px" | '''TSN1''' || align="center" width="180px" | September 1, 1984 <br /> August 15, 2003 (HD)<ref name=tsnhd-launch>{{cite web|title=TSN and Discovery Channel Canada Begin HDTV Broadcasting on Aug. 15|url=http://www.bce.ca/news-and-media/releases/show/tsn-and-discovery-channel-canada-begin-hdtv-broadcasting-on-aug-15|publisher=Bell Globemedia|access-date=August 25, 2014}}</ref> || Originally established as the primary, national '''TSN''' service since its launch, on August 25, 2014, this feed was renamed TSN1 and became the primary TSN feed for viewers in [[British Columbia]], [[Alberta]] and [[Yukon]].<ref name=tsn-fivefeeds />

On August 15, 2003, TSN launched a [[high-definition television|high definition]] simulcast, branded as '''TSN HD''', airing widescreen and high-definition feeds of programming when available. As virtually TSN's entire schedule is now broadcast in HD, the separate branding was dropped from on-air usage in 2013, and the HD feed is now [[Letterboxing (filming)|letterboxed]] for standard definition viewers. All of the other TSN channels below have had HD simulcasts available since their respective launch dates.
* Typically simulcasts [[ESPN]] (U.S.)'s talk programming on weekdays (these programs also frequently air on TSN3 and TSN5, but are more likely to be pre-empted on those channels for live events).
|-
| align="center" width="150px" | '''[[TSN2]]''' || align="center" width="180px" | August 29, 2008 || Replaced a part-time "alternate feed" in operation since 1997. For the most part, it has served as an overflow channel for TSN's various sports rights, particularly when all four "regional" feeds are jointly carrying another major event.
* Carries [[Toronto Raptors]] (and other [[National Basketball Association|NBA]]) regular-season coverage (sharing viewers with TSN4 & TSN5).
* Carries regional [[Montreal Canadiens]] broadcasts (sharing viewers with TSN5).<ref name="TSN_regional_2017">{{Cite news|url=https://www.tsn.ca/tsn-s-regional-nhl-coverage-features-191-games-1.857572|title=TSN's regional NHL coverage features 191 games|date=September 15, 2017|work=TSN|access-date=September 15, 2017}}</ref>
* Frequently airs ESPN/[[ESPN2]] talk programming such as ''[[First Take (talk show)|First Take]]'' on weekdays.
* Simulcasts [[CHUM (AM)|CHUM]]'s ''Overdrive''.
|-
| align="center" width="150px" |'''TSN3''' || rowspan="3" align="center" width="180px" | August 25, 2014 || The primary TSN feed for viewers in [[Manitoba]], [[Saskatchewan]], the [[Northwest Territories]], [[Nunavut]] and [[northwestern Ontario]].<ref name="mts-tsn3" /> 
* Carries regional [[Winnipeg Jets]] broadcasts.<ref name=wfp-jetstsn3/>
|-
| align="center" width="150px" |'''TSN4''' || The primary TSN feed for viewers in most of Ontario.
* Carries regional [[Toronto Maple Leafs]] broadcasts.<ref name=tsn-regionalNHL/>
* Simulcasts [[CHUM (AM)|CHUM]]'s ''Leafs Lunch'' and ''Overdrive''.
|-
| align="center" width="150px" |'''TSN5''' || The primary TSN feed for viewers in [[eastern Ontario]], [[Quebec]], and [[Atlantic Canada]].
* Carries regional [[Ottawa Senators]] broadcasts (sharing viewers with TSN2).<ref name=tsn-regionalNHL/>
|-
| align="center" width="150px" |'''TSN 4K''' || align="center" | January 20, 2016 || A part-time feed for telecasts presented in [[4K resolution|4K]] [[Ultra-high-definition television|UHDTV]], including selected [[Toronto Raptors]], [[Toronto Maple Leafs]], [[Ottawa Senators]], and [[Canadian Football League]] games. Depending on provider, events may be available either on a dedicated "TSN 4K" channel, or on shared 4K events channels also carrying programs from competitors including [[Sportsnet]].<ref name=torstar-4kreality>{{cite news|title=4K content becomes a reality in Canada|url=https://www.thestar.com/business/2016/01/18/4k-content-becomes-a-reality-in-canada.html|access-date=January 21, 2016|work=Toronto Star}}</ref>
|}

The French-language [[Réseau des sports]] and related channels operate under a separate licence, as did TSN's other now-defunct sports networks [[WTSN (TV channel)|WTSN]] and the Canadian versions of [[ESPN Classic (Canada)|ESPN Classic]] and [[NHL Network (Canada)|NHL Network]].

In January 2025, TSN will begin to use [[USA Network (Canadian TV channel)|USA Network]] (formerly Discovery) as an additional overflow channel for some of its sports rights, with [[NASCAR Xfinity Series]] races and ''AEW Collision'' moving to the newly-relaunched channel.<ref name=":1">{{cite press release |title=Bell Media Brings Powerhouse Brands USA Network and Oxygen True Crime to Canada |date=October 17, 2024 |url=https://www.bellmedia.ca/the-lede/press/bell-media-brings-powerhouse-brands-usa-network-and-oxygen-true-crime-to-canada/ |access-date=October 17, 2024 |author=Bell Media}}</ref><ref name=":02">{{Cite web |title=Bell Media’s Discovery Channel Rebrands as USA Network in Canada on January 1 with a Blockbuster Mix of Programming |url=https://www.bellmedia.ca/the-lede/press/bell-medias-discovery-channel-rebrands-as-usa-network-in-canada-on-january-1-with-a-blockbuster-mix-of-programming/ |access-date=2024-12-17 |publisher=Bell Media |language=en}}</ref>

=== Former channels ===
{| class="wikitable" text-align: center; width="100%"
|- style="color:white;"
! style="background-color:red;color:white;"| Channel
! style="background-color:red;color:white;"| First air date
! style="background-color:red;color:white;"| Last air date
! style="background-color:red;color:white;"| Description and programming
|-
| align="center" width="150px" |'''Canadiens on TSN'''<br />''(TSN Habs)'' || align="center" width="180px" | October 25, 2010 || align="center" width="180px" | April 10, 2014<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.habseyesontheprize.com/latest-news/2013/8/21/4645070/tsn-releases-their-habs-broadcast-schedule|title=TSN releases their Habs broadcast schedule|work=Eyes on the Prize ([[SB Nation]])|publisher=[[Vox Media]]|date=August 21, 2013|access-date=August 23, 2014}}</ref><ref name="Fagstein=whoownswhat">{{cite web|url=http://blog.fagstein.com/2014/08/18/nhl-regional-schedule-2014-15/|title=NHL broadcast schedule 2014-15: Who owns rights to what games|first=Steve|last=Faguy|work=Fagstein|date=August 18, 2014|access-date=August 23, 2014}}</ref> || A part-time feed which carried English-language regional broadcasts of [[Montreal Canadiens]] games from 2010 to 2014, in the eastern Canadian territory shared by Montreal and the [[Ottawa Senators]]. It was provided at no additional charge to customers in this region who subscribed to TSN through [[Bell Satellite TV]], [[Bell Fibe TV]], [[Bell Aliant]] [[FibreOP]], and [[Shaw Direct]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ctvmedia.ca/tsn/releases/release.asp?id=13074&yyyy=2010 |title=TSN Acquires Regional Rights to 24 Montreal Canadiens Games |author=The Sports Network (press release) |date=October 21, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110719081700/http://www.ctvmedia.ca/tsn/releases/release.asp?id=13074&yyyy=2010 |archive-date=July 19, 2011 }}</ref><ref>[http://canadiens.nhl.com/club/schedule.htm?season=20102011&gameType=2 2010–11 Montreal Canadiens schedule]. Retrieved October 21, 2010.</ref>

The rights expired before the 2014–15 season, and were acquired by [[Sportsnet|Sportsnet East]].<ref name=sn-habs2015>{{cite web|title=Canadiens, Sportsnet ink new regional deal|url=http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/canadiens-sportsnet-ink-new-regional-deal/|website=Sportsnet.ca|access-date=September 2, 2014}}</ref> TSN re-gained the Canadiens' rights in 2017–18, with the games moving to TSN2.<ref name="tsn-habsback"/><ref name="TSN_regional_2017"/>
|-
| align="center" width="150px" |'''Jets on TSN'''<br />''(TSN Jets)'' || align="center" width="180px" | September 20, 2011<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/sports/hockey/jets/2011-12-jet–-broadcast-schedule-128867613.html|title=2011-12 Jets Broadcast Schedule|newspaper=[[Winnipeg Free Press]]|date=September 1, 2011|access-date=August 23, 2014}}</ref> || align="center" width="180px" | April 11, 2014<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/sports/hockey/jets/Jets-unveil-TV-schedule-220559141.html|title=Jets unveil TV schedule|publisher=[[Winnipeg Free Press]]|date=August 21, 2013|access-date=August 23, 2014}}</ref> || A premium channel which carried regional broadcasts of [[Winnipeg Jets]] games from 2011 to 2014, restricted to the Jets' NHL home territory of [[Manitoba]], [[Saskatchewan]], [[Nunavut]], the [[Northwest Territories]], and parts of [[northwestern Ontario]].<ref name=LotsOfJets /> The channel cost $9.95 per month for the duration of the NHL season; a [[free preview]] was offered for the first few months of the Jets' inaugural season.<ref name=wfp-jetspay>{{cite news|title=Winnipeg fans flying to buy TSN Jets|url=http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/sports/hockey/jets/winnipeg-fans-flying--to-buy-tsn-jets-135368503.html|access-date=August 18, 2014|work=Winnipeg Free Press}}</ref> Jets games moved to TSN3 for the 2014–15 season.<ref name=wfp-jetstsn3>{{cite web|title=Jets game broadcasts moving to TSN3|url=http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/Jets-TSN-announced-that-the-65-Jets-games-slated-for-regional-broadcast-in-2014-15-will-be-shown-on-TSN3-271722771.html?cx_navSource=d-top-story|website=Winnipeg Free Press|access-date=August 18, 2014}}</ref>
|-
|}

==Programming==
{{Main|List of programs broadcast by TSN|Sports broadcasting contracts in Canada}}
Alongside its live sports broadcasts, TSN also airs a variety of sports highlight, talk, and documentary-styled shows. These include:

* ''[[Motoring (TV series)|Motoring]]'' (automotive) – An automotive [[newsmagazine]] program focusing on reviews and features about new automotive vehicles, including results of test drives 
* ''[[SportsCentre]]'' – The flagship program, a daily sports news program delivering the latest sports news and highlights
* ''[[That's Hockey]]'' (hockey) – Daily [[Ice hockey|hockey]] news program that presents the latest news in the sport

In connection with ESPN's minority ownership in TSN, the network has a long-term agreement with [[ESPN International]] for the Canadian rights to ESPN original and studio programs, including ''[[Pardon the Interruption]]'', ''[[Around the Horn]]'', ''[[Sunday NFL Countdown]]'', ''[[NFL Live]]'', ''[[Baseball Tonight (MLB)|Baseball Tonight]]'', ''[[ESPN FC]]'', and [[ESPN Films]] documentaries including the ''[[30 for 30]]'' series, among others, though it does not always air these programs simultaneously with their U.S. broadcasts.<ref name="espn-rights">{{cite web|url=http://www.bellmediapr.ca/Network/TSN/Press/TSN-Dec17-2013|title=TSN and RDS Extend Content Agreement with ESPN|author=The Sports Network|date=December 17, 2013|access-date=May 28, 2014}}</ref>

In 2012, as part of promotion for the [[100th Grey Cup]], TSN produced its own anthology of documentary films, ''[[Engraved on a Nation]]'', focusing on stories related to the Grey Cup and CFL. In 2019, TSN revived the series with a second season, chronicling other major figures in Canadian sports.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://mediaincanada.com/2019/01/23/tsn-zeroes-in-on-canadian-stories/|title=TSN zeroes in on Canadian stories|last1=January 23|first1=Bree|last2=Rody-Mantha|website=[[Media of Canada]] |access-date=March 7, 2019}}</ref>

== Broadcast rights ==

=== Hockey ===
TSN is a major broadcaster of [[ice hockey]] in Canada; it holds rights to [[Hockey Canada]] tournaments, which includes the [[Allan Cup]], [[Centennial Cup]], [[Telus Cup]] and [[Esso Cup]], as well as [[IIHF]] tournaments such as the [[Ice Hockey World Championships|Men's]] and [[IIHF World Women's Championships|Women's World Championships]], the [[IIHF World Junior Championships]] (a tournament whose profile was notably raised by TSN),<ref name="thestar.com">{{Cite web |date=2022-08-19 |title=TSN made the world juniors a hot commodity. This summer, it's been anything but. For a variety of reasons, not the least of which is TSN |url=https://www.thestar.com/sports/hockey/2022/08/19/tsn-turned-the-world-juniors-into-a-prized-tv-commodity-theyre-dealing-with-fan-apathy-in-wake-of-hockey-canada-scandal.html |access-date=2022-08-19 |website=thestar.com |language=en}}</ref> and the [[IIHF World U18 Championship]]. In 2020, TSN renewed its contract with Hockey Canada through the 2033–34 season.<ref>{{cite web |title=Hockey Canada, TSN, and RDS announce long-term media rights extension |url=https://www.hockeycanada.ca/en-ca/news/2020-partners-tsnrds-extend-partnership |website=www.hockeycanada.ca |access-date=January 11, 2020 |date=January 7, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.sportspromedia.com/news/hockey-canada-tsn-rds|title=Hockey Canada extends TSN and RDS rights deal through 2034 |website=SportsPro Media|access-date=2020-01-09|date=January 8, 2020}}</ref>

On July 21, 2021, the [[Canadian Hockey League]] (CHL) announced that Bell Media would hold its national media rights package beginning in the 2021–22 season, with TSN holding rights to 30 regular-season games across the CHL's leagues per-season, as well as coverage of national events such as the [[Memorial Cup]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Canadian Hockey League announces new multi-year broadcast partnerships|date=July 21, 2021 |url=https://chl.ca/article/canadian-hockey-league-announces-new-multi-year-broadcast-partnerships|access-date=2021-07-27|publisher=CHL}}</ref>

From 1987 to 1998, and again from 2002 to 2014, TSN held [[NHL on TSN|national cable rights to broadcast]] the [[National Hockey League|NHL]] in Canada. Under its most recent contract, TSN aired regular season games on weeknights and Sundays, including exclusivity on Wednesday nights, as well as various [[Stanley Cup playoffs]] games, as the league's secondary rightsholder after CBC Sports. Its most recent contract expired at the end of the [[2013–14 NHL season]] (following the [[2014 NHL Draft]]); [[Rogers Communications]] (owners of [[Sportsnet]]) secured a 12-year contract for sole national rights beginning with the [[2014–15 NHL season|following season]].<ref name=torstar-hugeblow>{{cite news|title=NHL deal with Rogers a huge blow to TSN and CBC: Mudhar|url=https://www.thestar.com/sports/hockey/2013/11/26/nhl_deal_with_rogers_a_huge_blow_to_tsn_and_cbc_mudhar.html|work=Toronto Star|access-date=November 26, 2013|date=November 26, 2013}}</ref><ref name=cbcnews-rogersnhl>{{cite news|title=Rogers scores national NHL TV rights for $5.2B|url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/business/rogers-scores-national-nhl-tv-rights-for-5-2b-1.2440645|work=CBC News|access-date=November 26, 2013}}</ref><ref name=cbcsports-rogers14>{{cite news|title=CBC partners with Rogers in landmark NHL rights deal|url=http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/nhl/cbc-partners-with-rogers-in-landmark-nhl-rights-deal-1.2440326|work=CBC Sports|access-date=November 26, 2013}}</ref> TSN's then-parent company CTVglobemedia attempted to strike a similar exclusive deal in 2006 ($1.4 billion over ten years), but was not successful.<ref>{{cite web |author=Channel Canada |url=http://www.channelcanada.com/Article1496.html |title=Bell Globemedia bidding $1.4B for TV hockey rights |publisher=Channel Canada |access-date=March 3, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101224043156/http://channelcanada.com/Article1496.html |archive-date=December 24, 2010 }}</ref><ref name=gandm-moreleafs>{{cite news|title=TSN scores with more Maple Leafs games|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/tsn-scores-with-more-maple-leafs-games/article720168/|work=The Globe and Mail|access-date=December 21, 2013|location=Toronto|date=March 13, 2009}}</ref>

CTV acquired the rights to ''[[The Hockey Theme]]'', which has been the [[theme song]] of ''Hockey Night in Canada'' for 40 years, after the CBC decided not to renew its rights to the theme song in June 2008 amid a legal dispute with its composer, [[Dolores Claman]]. A reorchestrated version of the tune has been used for hockey broadcasts on TSN and RDS since fall 2008.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20121011032420/http://www.ctvnews.ca/ctv-acquires-rights-to-hockey-theme-song-1.301129 "CTV acquires rights to hockey theme song"], ''CTV News'', June 9, 2008</ref>

TSN continues to hold four regional, English-language rights contracts:
* [[Winnipeg Jets]]: 60 games per season beginning in 2014–15; aired regionally on TSN3.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Release|first=Media|date=2020-10-05|title=True North Sports + Entertainment, TSN announce extension for Jets games - TSN.ca|url=https://www.tsn.ca/true-north-sports-entertainment-tsn-announce-extension-for-jets-games-1.1534542|access-date=2022-02-23|website=TSN|language=en}}</ref>
* [[Toronto Maple Leafs]]: 26 games per season beginning in 2014–15 (indefinite due to Bell's co-ownership of [[Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment]]; remaining regional games split with [[Sportsnet Ontario]]);<ref>{{cite web|url=https://nationalpost.com/sports/nhl-rogers-reach-12-year-5-2-billion-broadcast-deal-that-would-see-cbc-keep-hockey-night-in-canada|title=TSN shut out as Rogers signs 12-year, $5.2B NHL deal, CBC job cuts loom after losing editorial control of HNIC|work=[[National Post]]|date=November 26, 2013|access-date=November 28, 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20131128124030/http://sports.nationalpost.com/2013/11/26/nhl-rogers-reach-12-year-5-2-billion-broadcast-deal-that-would-see-cbc-keep-hockey-night-in-canada/|archive-date=November 28, 2013}}</ref> aired regionally on TSN4.<ref name=tsn-regionalNHL/><ref name="Fagstein=whoownswhat"/>
* [[Ottawa Senators]]: 60 games per season beginning in 2014–15 through to the 2025–26 season;<ref name=tsn-newsenscontract>{{cite web|title=TSN, TSN Radio 1200 become Senators' broadcasters|url=https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=442467|work=TSN.ca|access-date=January 29, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140201193218/http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=442467|archive-date=February 1, 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name=sun-tsnsens>{{cite web|title=Senators to sign major new TV deal with Bell, TSN|url=http://www.ottawasun.com/2014/01/28/senators-to-sign-major-new-tv-deal-with-bell-tsn|work=Ottawa Sun|access-date=January 29, 2014}}</ref> aired regionally on TSN5.<ref name=tsn-regionalNHL/>
* [[Montreal Canadiens]]: 50 games beginning in 2017–18 through to the 2021–22 season, aired regionally on TSN2.<ref name="tsn-habsback">{{Cite news|url=https://www.tsn.ca/tsn-s-regional-nhl-coverage-features-191-games-1.857572|title=TSN's regional NHL coverage features 191 games |date=September 15, 2017|work=TSN|access-date=September 15, 2017}}</ref>

These games are subject to [[blackout (broadcasting)|blackout]] outside the teams' designated home markets.<ref name=tsn-regionalNHL/>

TSN has also occasionally broadcast the [[American Hockey League]]'s [[Toronto Marlies]] games, which are simulcast from [[Leafs Nation Network]]; as with the Maple Leafs, the Marlies are owned by MLSE.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://theahl.com/eastern-conference-finals-airing-on-tsn|title=Eastern Conference Finals airing on TSN|publisher=American Hockey League|access-date=May 26, 2018|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://theahl.com/ahl-action-coming-to-tsn2|title=AHL action coming to TSN|publisher=American Hockey League|access-date=May 26, 2018|language=en-US}}</ref>

TSN was credited for breaking reports surrounding Hockey Canada's settlement of a [[Hockey Canada sexual assault scandal|2018 sexual assault case]].<ref name="thestar.com"/>

=== Football ===
TSN has broadcast [[Canadian Football League]] games since 1987.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.tvtechnology.com/news/cfl-tests-mobile-broadcast-crews |title=CFL Tests Mobile Broadcast Crews |last=Careless |first=James |date=July 19, 2011 |website=tvtech.com |publisher=TV Tech |access-date=March 16, 2023 |quote=TSN has made many improvements to its CFL coverage since it began broadcasting some of the games back in 1987.}}</ref> Since the 2008 season, TSN has been the CFL's exclusive broadcaster, airing all of the league's games, including the season-ending [[Grey Cup]].<ref>{{cite web|author=Channel Canada |url=http://channelcanada.com/Article1687.html |title=Grey Cup Moves to TSN/RDS in Historic 5-Year, Multi-Platform CFL Deal |publisher=Channel Canada |access-date=March 3, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110708134655/http://channelcanada.com/Article1687.html |archive-date=July 8, 2011}}</ref> In November 2019, TSN and the CFL signed a six-year media rights extension, which was reported to expire in 2026.<ref>{{cite web |title=CFL, TSN and RDS announce multi-year media rights extension |url=https://www.cfl.ca/2019/11/21/cfl-tsn-rds-announce-multi-year-media-rights-extension/ |website=CFL.ca |access-date=January 11, 2020 |date=November 21, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Long |first1=Michael |title=CFL scores "US$37m a year" in domestic TV rights renewal |url=https://www.sportspromedia.com/news/cfl-rights-extension-tsn-rds-football |website=www.sportspromedia.com |access-date=January 11, 2020 |date=November 22, 2019}}</ref>

The channel also previously held rights to the country's [[CIS football|university football]] playoff tournaments, including the [[Hardy Trophy]], [[Uteck Bowl]], [[Mitchell Bowl]] and the [[Vanier Cup]] championship.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.tsn.ca/cfl/story/?id=342308|title='11 Vanier Cup to join Grey Cup week in Vancouver|author=Naylor, Dave|date=November 21, 2010|work=TSN.ca|publisher=CTVglobemedia|access-date=February 1, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101124060235/http://www.tsn.ca/cfl/story/?id=342308|archive-date=November 24, 2010|url-status=dead}}</ref> The Hardy Cup coverage reverted to [[Canada West Football on Shaw|Shaw TV]] in 2014 while the Uteck, Mitchell and Vanier contests moved to Sportsnet, who acquired exclusive rights to CIS tournaments in May 2013.<ref name=sportsnet-ciscoverage>{{cite web|title=Sportsnet Announces Six-Year Deal with CIS, Including Vanier Cup|url=http://www.sportsnet.ca/sportsnet-announces-six-year-deal-with-cis-including-vanier-cup/|work=Sportsnet.ca|access-date=April 5, 2014}}</ref>

=== Basketball ===
TSN splits rights to the [[National Basketball Association]] (NBA) and [[Toronto Raptors]] with [[Sportsnet]], by virtue of the league's Canadian media rights being managed by Raptors owner MLSE.<ref>{{cite web|first=Chris|last=Zelkovich|url=http://thestar.blogs.com/sportsmedia/2010/06/sportsnet-back-in-the-game-with-raptors.html|title=Sportsnet back in the game with Raptors|work=Toronto Star|date=June 16, 2010|access-date=July 14, 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100619061120/http://thestar.blogs.com/sportsmedia/2010/06/sportsnet-back-in-the-game-with-raptors.html|archive-date=June 19, 2010}}</ref>

TSN alternated broadcasting the [[2019 NBA Finals]] with Sportsnet, which featured the [[Toronto Raptors]] winning their first-ever NBA championship. TSN aired the series-clinching Game 6, which saw an average of 7.7 million viewers as the most-watched NBA telecast in Canadian history.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://toronto.citynews.ca/2019/06/14/toronto-raptors-set-another-canadian-television-record-on-title-night/|title=Toronto Raptors set another Canadian television record on title night|website=CityNews Toronto|access-date=June 14, 2019}}</ref>

=== Soccer ===
TSN acquired Canadian rights to [[Major League Soccer]] in 2011, airing 24 matches during the 2011 season that involved the league's Canadian clubs, [[Toronto FC]] and [[Vancouver Whitecaps FC]]. Its slate expanded to 30 games in 2012 with the debut of the [[Montreal Impact (2012–2020)|Montreal Impact]] in the league. TSN's channels broadcast a package of other regular-season games, the [[Major League Soccer All-Star Game|MLS All-Star Game]], [[MLS Cup Playoffs]] and the [[MLS Cup]].<ref>{{cite web|title=TSN becomes official broadcaster of MLS in Canada|url=https://www.tsn.ca/soccer/story/?id=353868|work=TSN.ca|publisher=Bell Media|date=February 14, 2011}}</ref> In January 2014, TSN announced that it would take over broadcast rights to Whitecaps games beginning in the [[2014 Major League Soccer season]], under a separate deal.<ref name=tsn-whitecapsdeal>{{cite web|title=TSN to broadcast all Whitecaps FC games beginning in 2014|url=https://www.tsn.ca/soccer/story/?id=439310|work=TSN.ca|access-date=January 21, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140201161233/http://www.tsn.ca/soccer/story/?id=439310|archive-date=February 1, 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> These rights were renewed in 2017 as TSN reached a 5-year extension to its Major League Soccer broadcasting rights.<ref name="mls-canadiantv17">{{cite web|title=Canadian national broadcast schedule for 2017 revealed; CTV to air 7 games|url=http://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2017/02/09/canadian-national-broadcast-schedule-2017-revealed-ctv-air-7-games|website=MLSSoccer.com|access-date=February 22, 2017}}</ref> However, these exclusive rights were not renewed further (TSN Would air non-exclusive rights to select game's beginning in 2023), as all MLS programming moved to the new [[MLS Season Pass]] streaming service in 2023.

On October 27, 2011, Bell Media and TSN announced that they had secured broadcast rights for [[FIFA]] soccer tournaments from 2015 to 2022. The rights include the [[2018 FIFA World Cup]], [[2022 FIFA World Cup]], the [[2015 FIFA Women's World Cup]] hosted by Canada and the [[2019 FIFA Women's World Cup]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Bell Media lands deal for FIFA soccer from 2015 through 2022|url=http://tsn.ca/soccer/story/?id=379012|work=TSN.ca|publisher=Bell Media|date=October 27, 2011|access-date=October 28, 2011|archive-date=December 12, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131212051657/http://www.tsn.ca/soccer/story/?id=379012|url-status=dead}}</ref>

In 2021, TSN acquired the rights to [[La Liga]], as part of a sub-licensing agreement with ESPN.<ref>{{Cite web |title=ESPN y LaLiga llegan a un histórico acuerdo de derechos para llevar la destacada liga de fútbol a millones de personas en EE.UU |url=https://www.laliga.com/noticias/espn-y-laliga-llegan-a-un-historico-acuerdo-de-derechos-para-llevar-la-destacada-liga-de-futbol-a-millones-de-personas-en-eeuu |access-date=2022-09-16 |website=Página web oficial de LaLiga {{!}} LaLiga |language=es}}</ref>

=== Other ===
TSN holds exclusive rights to [[Curling Canada]]'s ''Season of Champions'' series through 2029, which includes Canada's women's and men's national championships, the [[Scotties Tournament of Hearts]] and [[Montana's Brier]], along with the [[World Curling Championships]].<ref name=tsn-cca2020>{{cite web|title=TSN, CCA EXTEND CURLING PARTNERSHIP THROUGH 2020 SEASON|url=https://www.tsn.ca/curling/story/?id=377044|work=TSN.ca|publisher=Bell Media|access-date=August 13, 2013}}</ref> It also organizes the [[TSN Skins Game|Pinty's All-Star Curling Skins Game]], an annual [[Skins game|skins]] curling tournament.

TSN has hosted much of Canada's supplementary Olympic coverage, being the first pay television channel in the world to ever broadcast the Olympics with the [[1988 Winter Olympics]] in Calgary, and having been part of the CBC's coverage from 1998 to 2008. In 2010, TSN began to participate in CTV and Rogers' [[Canada's Olympic Broadcast Media Consortium|joint broadcast rights to the Olympic Games]] for 2010 and 2012. TSN continued to be a part of CBC's coverage of the [[2014 Winter Olympics]], but also in conjunction with Sportsnet (who participated in the CTV/Rogers coverage).<ref name=cbc-2014coverage>{{cite news|title=CBC/Radio Canada welcomes partners in 2014 Sochi Olympics coverage|url=https://www.cbc.ca/sports/2.723/cbc-radio-canada-welcomes-partners-in-2014-sochi-olympics-coverage-1.1411840|publisher=CBC|access-date=February 8, 2013}}</ref>

TSN has also historically been a broadcaster for [[Major League Baseball]] in Canada, as its former parent company, Labatt, was also the owner of the [[Toronto Blue Jays]]. Under Rogers ownership, TSN continued to sub-license a package 25 of Blue Jays games per-season, with the rest of the games televised by the co-owned Sportsnet, who is also the primary rightsholder of Major League Baseball in Canada. In 2010, TSN traded its Blue Jays games to Sportsnet for rights to ''[[ESPN Sunday Night Baseball]]''.<ref name=np,tsnsntrade>{{cite news|title=TSN trades all Blue Jays games to Sportsnet|url=https://nationalpost.com/sports/mlb/all-blue-jays-going-to-sportsnet-tsn-no-longer-doing-games|access-date=April 7, 2015|work=National Post|date=May 13, 2010}}</ref> In 2014, TSN reached a deal directly with MLB International for Canadian rights to all of [[ESPN Major League Baseball|ESPN's MLB coverage]], adding ''[[Monday Night Baseball]]'' and ''[[Wednesday Night Baseball]]'' beginning in the [[2014 MLB season|2014 season]].<ref name=tsn-wednesdaynightbaseball>{{cite web|title=TSN to air marquee Sunday, Monday, Wednesday MLB games|url=https://www.tsn.ca/mlb/story/?id=442924|work=TSN.ca|publisher=Bell Media|access-date=February 3, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mlbinternational.com/?p=articles&art_cat_id=87|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140719043952/http://www.mlbinternational.com/?p=articles&art_cat_id=87|url-status=usurped|archive-date=July 19, 2014|title=Major League Baseball International Expands Coverage in Canada in 2014|publisher=MLB International|access-date=August 17, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bellmediapr.ca/Network/TSN/Press/TSN-Lands-Media-Rights-to-MLBs-Marquee-Sunday-Monday-and-Wednesday-Games|title=TSN Lands Media Rights to MLB's Marquee Sunday, Monday, and Wednesday Games|author=TSN (press release)|date=February 3, 2014|access-date=February 22, 2014|archive-date=March 28, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140328021239/http://bellmediapr.ca/Network/TSN/Press/TSN-Lands-Media-Rights-to-MLBs-Marquee-Sunday-Monday-and-Wednesday-Games|url-status=dead}}</ref>

===International broadcast rights===
TSN has broadcast the [[IIHF World Junior Championship]] coverage annually since 1992, produced by [[Paul Graham (television producer)|Paul Graham]],<ref name="Jones-2018">{{cite news|title=Man Behind Curtain Steps Into Spotlight|last=Jones|first=Terry|date=November 20, 2018|newspaper=[[Edmonton Journal]]|page=B1|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/edmonton-journal-graham-2017/170494453/}}</ref> after reaching a broadcast agreement with then [[Hockey Canada]] vice-president [[Bob Nicholson (ice hockey)|Bob Nicholson]].<ref name="Hlinka Gretzky">{{cite news|title=TSN Banking on Hlinka Gretzky Cup Success|last=Jones|first=Terry|date=August 9, 2018|newspaper=[[Edmonton Journal]]|page=C1|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/edmonton-journal-graham-2018/170508946/}}</ref> TSN initially covered only the [[Canada men's national junior ice hockey team|Team Canada]] games, then added all games in Team Canada's pool.<ref name="Garrioch-2024">{{cite news|title=TSN's executive producer Paul Graham is signing off after building up the world juniors into the beast it is today|last=Garrioch|first=Bruce|date=December 30, 2024|newspaper=[[Ottawa Citizen]]|url=https://ottawacitizen.com/sports/hockey/junior-hockey/tsns-executive-producer-paul-graham-is-signing-off-after-building-up-the-world-juniors-into-the-beast-it-is-today|access-date=April 15, 2025}}</ref> TSN gradually expanded coverage to include all games of the tournament.<ref name="Garrioch-2024" /> As of the [[2021 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships|2021 Championships]], all pre-tournament and in-tournament games were broadcast.<ref>{{cite news|title=IIHF Looks to Establish a Tradition With Junior Games on Christmas Day|last=Jones|first=Terry|date=October 20, 2020|newspaper=[[Edmonton Journal]]|page=NP10|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/edmonton-journal-graham-2020/170547039/}}</ref>

Along with its coverage of Canadian events, TSN also airs coverage of international sporting events (primarily American), often [[simulcast]] from other broadcasters.

TSN also currently airs [[Formula One]], [[NASCAR Cup Series]], and [[NASCAR Xfinity Series]] events (as of the 2016 season, coverage of F1 events is supplied from [[Sky Sports F1|Sky Sports]]).
<ref name="svg-skytsn">{{cite web|title=TSN Partners With Sky Sports, Expands FIA Formula One World Championship Coverage|url=http://www.sportsvideo.org/2016/03/18/tsn-partners-with-sky-sports-expands-fia-formula-one-world-championship-coverage/|website=Sports Video Group|date=March 18, 2016 |access-date=April 19, 2016}}</ref>

As of the 2017 season, TSN serves as the exclusive cable rightsholder of the [[National Football League]] in Canada, alongside terrestrial rightsholder [[CTV Television Network|CTV]], carrying all national game packages (including ''[[NBC Sunday Night Football|Sunday Night Football]]'', ''[[Monday Night Football]]'', and ''[[Thursday Night Football]]''), as well as Sunday afternoon games.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Bell Media becomes exclusive NFL rights-holder in Canada |language=en |work=CBC Sports |agency=Canadian Press |url=http://www.cbc.ca/sports/football/nfl/bell-media-thursday-night-football-1.4149389 |access-date=August 28, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=June 7, 2017 |title=Thursday Night Football comes to TSN |work=TSN |url=https://www.tsn.ca/thursday-night-football-comes-to-tsn-1.772413 |access-date=August 28, 2017}}</ref> In 2022, the NFL renewed its contract with Bell under a multi-year deal, gaining exclusive Canadian rights to ''Thursday Night Football'' (as part of its move to [[Prime Video]]), and the expanded ''Monday Night Football'' schedule (including ESPN's [[NFL International Series]] game).<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=2022-06-13 |title=Bell Media extends exclusive Canadian TV deal with NFL |url=https://awfulannouncing.com/nfl/bell-media-nfl-tv-deal-2022-expansion.html |access-date=2022-06-13 |website=Awful Announcing |language=en-US}}</ref> TSN also carries ESPN's NFL studio programs, including ''[[NFL Live]]'', ''[[Sunday NFL Countdown]]'', and ''[[Monday Night Countdown]],'' while [[NFL RedZone]] is carried on TSN's streaming platforms.<ref name=":0" />

TSN is the exclusive rightsholder in Canada for all four tennis [[Grand Slam (tennis)|Grand Slams]]; in 2012, the channel signed multi-year extensions for the [[Australian Open]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.broadcastermagazine.com/news/tsn-secures-10-year-australian-open-extension/1000820923/|title=TSN Secures 10-Year Australian Open Extension|access-date=August 6, 2015|archive-date=February 21, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140221225438/http://www.broadcastermagazine.com/news/tsn-secures-10-year-australian-open-extension/1000820923/|url-status=dead}}</ref> [[French Open]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tsn.ca/tennis/story/?id=367076|title=404|work=TSN|access-date=August 6, 2015}}</ref> and [[The Championships, Wimbledon|Wimbledon]].,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tsn.ca/tennis/story/?id=371122|title=404|work=TSN|access-date=August 6, 2015}}</ref> followed by the [[US Open (tennis)|US Open]] the following year.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://bellmediapr.ca/Network/TSN/Press/TSN-and-RDS-Reach-11-Year-Media-Rights-Extension-For-Tennis-US-OPEN|title=TSN and RDS Reach 11 Year Media Rights Extension for Tennis US OPEN|publisher=Bell Media|access-date=August 6, 2015}}</ref> In 2016, TSN also re-gained rights to non-domestic [[ATP World Tour Masters 1000]] and [[ATP World Tour 500]] series events.<ref name="yahoo-tsnatp">{{cite web|title=TSN takes over from Sportsnet for ATP Tour 1000 and 500 tennis coverage|url=https://ca.sports.yahoo.com/blogs/eh-game/tsn-takes-over-from-sportsnet-for-atp-tour-1000-and-500-tennis-coverage-170010885.html|website=Eh Game|publisher=Yahoo! Sports|access-date=February 9, 2016}}</ref> In 2020, TSN also acquired rights to [[WTA Tour]] [[WTA Premier tournaments|Premier 5 and Premier Mandatory]] events.<ref>{{Cite web|title=TSN Expands Tennis Coverage with New Slate of Marquee WTA Tour Events, Beginning February 23 – Bell Media|url=https://www.bellmedia.ca/the-lede/press/tsn-expands-tennis-coverage-with-new-slate-of-marquee-wta-tour-events-beginning-february-23|language=en-US|access-date=2020-05-11}}</ref> Both exclude the [[National Bank Open]] due to exclusive media and sponsorship rights held by Rogers Media and Sportsnet, sold separately from other events.

TSN is also the rights holder for all four of golf's major championships – [[The Masters]] (first two rounds, and late-round coverage on CTV beginning 2016),<ref name=yahoo-ctvmasters>{{cite web|title=Television wars continue as CTV takes Masters deal away from Global|url=https://ca.sports.yahoo.com/blogs/eh-game/tv-wars-continue-as-ctv-takes-masters-deal-away-from-global-170942767.html|website=Yahoo! Sports Canada|access-date=December 23, 2015}}</ref><ref name=tsn-masters2016>{{cite web|title=CTV, TSN, and RDS announce exclusive, multi-year deal with The Masters|url=https://www.tsn.ca/ctv-tsn-and-rds-announce-exclusive-multi-year-deal-with-the-masters-1.409529|website=TSN.ca|date=December 15, 2015 |publisher=Bell Media|access-date=December 23, 2015}}</ref> [[US Open (golf)|US Open]], [[British Open]] (late-round coverage in simulcast with NBC and CTV since 2016) and [[PGA Championship]]. In addition, it carries the [[Ryder Cup]] and [[Presidents Cup]] and simulcasts the [[RBC Canadian Open]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://bellmediapr.ca/Network/TSN/Press/TSN-and-PGA-Tour-Extend-their-Partnership-with-New-Multi-Year-Broadcast-Agreement-|title=Press Releases|work=Bell Media|access-date=August 6, 2015}}</ref>

On December 22, 2014, it was also announced that Bell Media had acquired Canadian rights to [[Ultimate Fighting Championship|UFC]] [[mixed martial arts]], beginning in 2015. TSN's networks air all major events, including PPV preliminaries, domestic ''[[UFC Fight Night]]'' events, and ''[[The Ultimate Fighter]]''. TSN also sub-licensed portions of its rights to fighting sports-oriented specialty channel [[Fight Network]], which aired international ''Fight Night'' events and preliminaries for non-PPV events. The contract also includes French-language rights for RDS.<ref name=ssp-ufctsnrds>{{cite news|title=UFC reaches Canadian broadcast deal with TSN, RDS|url=https://vancouversun.com/sports/mma/reaches+Canadian+broadcast+deal+with/10673929/story.html|access-date=December 23, 2014|agency=[[Postmedia]] News|archive-date=June 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612141135/http://www.vancouversun.com/sports/mma/reaches+Canadian+broadcast+deal+with/10673929/story.html|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name=tsn-ufc2015>{{cite web|title=TSN, RDS, and Fight Network become new Canadian home for UFC|url=https://www.tsn.ca/tsn-rds-and-fight-network-become-new-canadian-home-for-ufc-1.166213|website=TSN.ca|access-date=December 23, 2014}}</ref> The contract with Bell was renewed in December 2018; the Fight Network sub-licensing agreement was dropped, giving TSN rights to non-PPV preliminaries, and also adding ''[[Dana White's Tuesday Night Contender Series]]''. The renewal coincided with the assumption of U.S. rights to the UFC by minority partner ESPN.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2018/12/11/18136303/ufc-renews-canadian-broadcast-deals-with-tsn-rds|title=UFC renews Canadian broadcast deals with TSN, RDS|last=Meltzer|first=Dave|date=December 11, 2018|website=MMA Fighting|access-date=March 7, 2019}}</ref>

Through minority owner ESPN, TSN and RDS also hold exclusive Canadian broadcast rights to several other events which ESPN either owns outright, such as the [[X Games]], or for which it owns the worldwide broadcast rights, such as the [[College Football Playoff]], the [[NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Championship]] (sublicensed from [[ESPN International]] since 2011),<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/bruce-dowbiggin/tsn-catches-march-madness/article1919949/|title=TSN catches March Madness|first=Bruce|last=Dowbiggin|work=The Globe and Mail |date=February 24, 2011|access-date=March 14, 2011|location=Toronto| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110303090954/http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/bruce-dowbiggin/tsn-catches-march-madness/article1919949/| archive-date=March 3, 2011| url-status= live}}</ref> the [[World Series of Poker]],<ref name="espn-rights" /> and its [[Boxing on ESPN|boxing coverage]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.espn.com/boxing/story/_/id/20465923/top-rank-espn-hammer-complicated-deal-bring-top-rank-fights-exclusively-espn-platforms-years-come|title=Top Rank signs exclusive 4-year deal with ESPN|work=ESPN.com|access-date=August 28, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://deadline.com/2017/08/espn-top-rank-caa-sports-espn-deportes-burke-magnus-todd-duboef-1202156905/|title=ESPN And Top Rank Announce Multi-Year Agreement For New Fight Series|last=Ramos|first=Dino-Ray|date=August 26, 2017|work=Deadline|access-date=August 28, 2017|language=en-US}}</ref>

On December 19, 2014, Bell Media announced that it had acquired rights to the [[UEFA Champions League]] and [[Europa League]] for TSN and RDS beginning in 2015, with portions sub-licensed to [[beIN Sports (Canada)|beIN Sports]].<ref name=tsn-uefaclcontract>{{cite web|title=TSN, RDS announce new media rights agreement for Champions League, Europa League|url=https://www.tsn.ca/tsn-rds-announce-new-media-rights-agreement-for-champions-league-europa-league-1.163717|website=TSN.ca|date=December 19, 2014 |access-date=December 22, 2014}}</ref> TSN lost Champions League and Europa League rights to [[DAZN]] after the 2017–18 season.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://theprovince.com/sports/soccer/international-soccer/dazn-scoops-up-canadian-uefa-champions-league-rights|title=DAZN scoops up Canadian UEFA Champions League rights|date=May 25, 2018|work=The Province|access-date=May 26, 2018|language=en-US}}</ref>

In the 2014–15 season, TSN began to broadcast a package of [[college ice hockey|NCAA Division I college hockey]] games including regular season games (mainly simulcast from [[regional sports network]]s) and the [[NCAA Division I Men's Ice Hockey Championship|NCAA tournament and Frozen Four]] (whose rights are owned by ESPN).<ref name=tsn-collegehockey1415>{{cite web|title=TSN announces partnership with College Hockey Inc. to deliver more NCAA Hockey than ever before|url=https://www.tsn.ca/tsn-expands-its-ncaa-hockey-coverage-to-37-games-including-the-frozen-four-1.109310|website=TSN.ca|date=October 17, 2014 |access-date=February 10, 2015}}</ref>

TSN airs [[WNBA]] games since 2019.

====Professional wrestling====
TSN previously aired [[World Wrestling Entertainment|WWE]]'s flagship show, ''[[WWE Raw|Raw]]'', for over a decade. Though broadcast [[Live television|live]], the show occasionally had been censored live for extremely violent scenes (such as when female wrestlers or characters were assaulted by male wrestlers) to meet Canadian broadcast standards, with [[repeat broadcasts]] often more heavily edited.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cbsc.ca/english/decisions/2004/040720A.php |title=CANADIAN BROADCAST STANDARDS COUNCIL NATIONAL SPECIALTY SERVICES PANEL TSN re an episode of WWE |work=cbsc.ca |publisher=[[Canadian Association of Broadcasters]] |date=May 11, 2004 |access-date=May 20, 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150521224601/http://www.cbsc.ca/english/decisions/2004/040720A.php |archive-date=May 21, 2015 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cbsc.ca/english/decisions/2004/040720Aappendix.pdf |title=TSN re an episode of WWE (CBSC Decision 02/03-1656, May 11, 2004) |work=cbsc.ca |publisher=[[Canadian Association of Broadcasters]] |date=May 11, 2004 |access-date=May 20, 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120711055113/http://www.cbsc.ca/english/decisions/2004/040720Aappendix.pdf |archive-date=July 11, 2012 }}</ref>{{Failed verification|date=October 2015}} The final episode of ''Raw'' on TSN aired on July 31, 2006, after which, rival network The Score (now known as [[Sportsnet 360]]) picked up the rights.{{citation needed|date=October 2019}}

In 2019, TSN acquired broadcast rights to [[All Elite Wrestling]]'s flagship show, ''[[All Elite Wrestling: Dynamite|Dynamite]]'', marking the return of professional wrestling to the network. The show is broadcast in simulcast with [[TNT (American TV network)|TNT]] in the United States (subject to pre-emption in the event of conflicts with other programming).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tsn.ca/tsn-announces-new-partnership-with-all-elite-wrestling-1.1374920|title=TSN announces new partnership with ALL ELITE WRESTLING, becoming Canadian home of AEW DYNAMITE|author=TSN.ca Staff|publisher=TSN|website=TSN.ca|date=October 1, 2019|access-date=October 2, 2019}}</ref> On August 9, 2021, PWInsider reported that TSN will stream ''[[AEW Rampage]]'' online in simulcast with the U.S. through its website and TSN Direct.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pwinsider.com/article/149573/aew-rampage-in-canada-update.html?p=1|title=AEW RAMPAGE IN CANADA UPDATE|date=August 9, 2021}}</ref>

==Personalities==
{{Main|List of The Sports Network personalities}}

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==External links==
* {{Official website|https://www.tsn.ca}}

{{Sports television in Canada}}
{{Bell Media}}
{{ESPN}}
{{Toronto Raptors}}
{{Toronto Maple Leafs}}
{{TorontoArgosOwner}}
{{Winnipeg Jets}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Sports Network, The}}
[[Category:The Sports Network| ]]
[[Category:Bell Media networks]]
[[Category:Television channels and stations established in 1984]]
[[Category:English-language television stations in Canada]]
[[Category:Companies based in Scarborough, Ontario]]
[[Category:CTV Sports]]
[[Category:Joint ventures]]
[[Category:Toronto Raptors announcers]]
[[Category:1984 establishments in Canada]]
[[Category:Specialty television channels in Canada]]