TSN could soon be under new control, as Bell Media is reportedly looking to sell the popular Canadian sports network.
According to a new report from Jonah Sigel of YYZ Sports, “industry insiders” indicate that Bell is considering parting ways with TSN as it moves away from sports media to focus on its telecommunications business.
Bell’s recent $3.6 billion purchase of Ziply Fiber, an American broadband provider, and its decision to sell its stake in Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment are signs of a potential strategy shift.
Meanwhile, it’s been a rough couple of years at TSN. Despite its strong reputation and history, the network has struggled to keep up in an industry where rights fees are skyrocketing, and traditional TV revenues are shrinking. Losing the NHL’s national rights to Rogers in 2013 also dealt a major blow to TSN, although it still holds valuable properties like CFL games, FIFA events, and some regional NHL rights.
Founded in 1984, TSN joined forces with Bell Media back in 2011. By 2013, it had become the largest specialty channel in Canada in terms of gross revenue, with a total of $400.4 million in revenue.
So, who’s likely to scoop up TSN?
Sigel argues that while “no potential buyers have been publicly identified for TSN,” it wouldn’t be shocking if a streaming giant like Amazon threw their hat in the ring since they’ve already begun streaming NHL games in Canada. Acquiring TSN would give them a legitimate sports network to build off with an audience already in place.
Sigel also reported that Rogers could be subject to a similar fate. “Sources suggest [that the Fan 590], once the flagship of Canadian sports radio, could be shuttered in favour of an all-podcast format,” he wrote.
As for Canadian sports fans, this could mean big changes in how they watch their favourite teams and events going forward.
With that said, no official announcements on the sales of either company have been made.