Observed Signal · Jan 28, 2026 · Product Launch · Source: State of Streaming · Impact: 2/5 · Sentiment: Positive
Sports Illustrated Launches SI TV FAST Channel
Sports Illustrated has launched SI TV, a 24/7 free ad-supported streaming (FAST) channel that repurposes the publisher’s archival and original video content to create a new ad revenue stream. The channel will run original shows, video podcasts, documentaries, and live sports — including Mountain West Conference games — and surface behind-the-scenes archival footage and daily betting insights. The launch follows a sharp increase in the brand’s video consumption: Sports Illustrated reported a 180% rise in YouTube watch time in 2025. Editor in Chief Steve Cannella framed SI TV as an extension of the publisher’s storytelling mission into the FAST/CTV space. The move positions the legacy brand among many competitors in the crowded streaming ecosystem while leveraging existing assets to minimize production risk and monetize growing video audiences.
Adds incremental ad inventory and monetization for a legacy publisher entering the FAST/CTV market; indicative of publisher strategies to repurpose archival video and follow audience migration to streaming, but not industry-shifting.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- Sports Illustrated launched SI TV, a 24/7 free ad-supported streaming (FAST) channel.
- Programming includes original shows, video podcasts, documentaries, archival footage, and live Mountain West Conference games.
- Sports Illustrated reported a 180% increase in watch time on its YouTube content in 2025.
- Steve Cannella, Editor in Chief of Sports Illustrated, announced SI TV as a platform extension of the brand’s storytelling.
Connected Companies & Entities
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Related Market Signals & Shifts
Recent verified developments and strategic activity across this market segment.
Scripps Launches 24/7 FAST Channel for Women’s Sports
The E.W. Scripps Company will debut Scripps Sports Network, a 24/7 free ad-supported streaming TV (FAST) channel, on March 24. The channel will air 100 live events across the year, focusing on women’s sports and emerging leagues, and offers premium advertising positions tied to live broadcasts. State Farm is a launch partner. Programming includes coverage of the Professional Women’s Hockey League (including its championship), the NWSL, Major League Volleyball, Pro Cheer League, Athlos NYC, National Arena League and the Scripps National Spelling Bee, plus 100 hours of encore WNBA content, an interview series hosted by Suzy Kolber, and acquired shows such as Kevin Hart’s Cold as Balls. The channel will be distributed on major FAST/CTV platforms including The Roku Channel, LG Channels, Amazon Prime Video/Fire TV Channels, Google TV Freeplay, Xumo, TCL platforms, Plex, Local Now and Tablo.
Scripps Launches Women's Sports FAST Network
E.W. Scripps launched Scripps Sports Network (SSN), a 24/7 free ad‑supported streaming television (FAST) channel, on March 25, 2026. SSN is distributed across major CTV platforms including Roku Channel, Samsung TV Plus, Prime Video and Google TV Freeplay and is positioned as the FAST ecosystem’s first dedicated women’s sports network. The channel’s first‑year slate features 100+ live events (including PWHL, NWSL, MLV and WNBA encore telecasts), 10 original series (fronted by Suzy Kolber and Sanya Richards‑Ross), and acquired programming. State Farm signed on as SSN’s founding advertising partner. Scripps positions SSN as a development tier feeding ION’s national broadcast footprint and as part of a broader strategy to own scaled reach for premium sports inventory in FAST.
New York Post Launches Free FAST Channel
New York Post Media Group is launching a free, ad-supported FAST (Free Ad-Supported Streaming Television) channel in partnership with VideoElephant Fast Managed Services. The channel will repurpose video assets from The New York Post portfolio — including Page Six and Decider — delivering roughly 150 hours of TV-formatted programming at launch with a planned 20% monthly refresh. VideoElephant will manage channel operations: content scheduling, platform distribution, and advertising monetization. The move targets major connected-TV platforms and smart TVs and aims to leverage the publisher’s reported ~62 million unique monthly visitors (92% outside the New York metro area). The launch reflects broader industry trends toward free linear streaming: roughly 64% of U.S. households now consume free content and connected-TV ad spend is forecast to reach $38 billion by end-2026. Further launch timing and distribution details are pending.
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