NBC Sports Network's "The Lights"

[SmootSmack]

On from 7-9am.

NBCSN is aiming to be an all-sports 24 hour network (similar to the plans CBS Sports Network, and probably soon Fox Sports Network have). They're limited though in that they don't have many league rights.

Right now they're heavy on Olympics reruns coverage. They also have Pro Bull Riding, and Major League Lacrosse. Additionally, they have a show called NBC Sports Talk at 6pm which discusses the day's topics. Plus deals with NFL and MLB for behind the scenes shows and an E:60 type show with Sports Illustrated. Plus a lot of cycling, horse racing, and outdoors shows. They'll make a push for sports like MLB, NBA when those deals come up. And will likely give Dan Patrick and maybe Michelle Beadle their own shows.

CBS Sports Network is big on college sports, particularly college football reruns. Also Tennis, Pro Bull Riding, and they're banking hard on Jim Rome and Tim Brando.

As someone in the business, but also a general sports fan, I'm very interested to see the growth of these networks. And I think competition for ESPN is a good thing. Even thought it when I was there (so do people at ESPN).

I spent over year being recruited by and "negotiating" with NBC Sports to be part of this network relaunch, but we could never agree to a solid deal. And I've got good friends running the new CBS Sports so on a personal level I'm keen to see what happens.