CBS Sports Network is not included in Paramount Plus
CBS Sports Network does not stream on Paramount Plus, even with a paid subscription. Paramount Plus carries some CBS sports content — mainly NFL games, NCAA football, and the NCAA tournament — but CBS Sports Network itself is a separate cable channel that requires a different streaming service or a cable TV subscription.
If you want to watch CBS Sports Network programming, you will need to use a live TV streaming service that carries it, such as YouTube TV, Hulu with Live TV, or Sling TV. You can also watch it through a traditional cable or satellite TV provider if you have a sports package that includes it.
Key Takeaways
- Paramount Plus does not carry CBS Sports Network as a standalone channel, even on premium tiers.
- Paramount Plus does stream some CBS sports events, including select NFL games, college football, and March Madness.
- To watch CBS Sports Network, you need YouTube TV, Hulu with Live TV, Sling TV, or a cable subscription that includes the channel.
- Live TV streaming services that carry CBS Sports Network typically cost between $55 and $75 per month.
What sports content Paramount Plus actually has
Paramount Plus offers a specific set of sports programming tied to CBS's broadcast rights. You can watch Thursday Night Football during the NFL season, select college football games, and NCAA tournament basketball (March Madness). The service also carries some golf tournaments and other CBS-affiliated sports events.
The sports content on Paramount Plus is limited to games and events that CBS has the broadcast rights to show. It does not include the full schedule of CBS Sports Network, which is a 24-hour cable channel with its own separate programming lineup, original shows, and sports coverage that CBS does not broadcast on the main network.
Live TV streaming services that carry CBS Sports Network
YouTube TV includes CBS Sports Network in its base package. The service costs around $72 per month and gives you access to over 100 channels, including local CBS stations, ESPN, and other sports networks. You can watch on multiple devices at once depending on your plan.
Hulu with Live TV also carries CBS Sports Network as part of its live TV bundle, which costs around $76 per month. This option bundles live TV with access to Hulu's on-demand library and Disney Plus, though you may need to pay extra for ad-free viewing.
Sling TV offers CBS Sports Network on its Sling Blue package for around $40 per month, making it the most affordable option if CBS Sports Network is your main priority. The trade-off is fewer total channels compared to YouTube TV or Hulu with Live TV.
How to check if a specific game is on Paramount Plus
Before you assume a game is not available on Paramount Plus, check the Paramount Plus app or website directly. Search for the sport or team you want to watch, and the app will show you which games are streaming there. Some games that air on CBS broadcast television are also available on Paramount Plus the same day.
You can also check the official schedule for the league or sport. The NFL, for example, publishes which games air on which networks each week. If a game is listed as a CBS broadcast, there is a good chance it will also stream on Paramount Plus, but CBS Sports Network games will not appear there.
The difference between CBS and CBS Sports Network
CBS is the main broadcast network that airs primetime shows, news, and major sports events like the Super Bowl and NCAA tournament. CBS Sports Network is a separate cable channel owned by CBS that runs 24 hours a day with its own original programming, analysis shows, and sports coverage that does not air on the main CBS network.
Think of it this way: CBS is like the main channel you find on a basic cable package, while CBS Sports Network is a specialty sports channel. Paramount Plus has rights to stream some CBS broadcast content, but not the specialty cable channel. The two are different products with different licensing agreements.
Cable and satellite TV options
If you have a cable or satellite TV subscription that includes sports channels, CBS Sports Network is usually available as part of a sports package or a mid-to-premium tier. Check your provider's channel lineup or contact customer service to confirm CBS Sports Network is included in your plan.
Traditional TV providers like Comcast, Verizon Fios, and DirecTV all carry CBS Sports Network, but availability and pricing depend on which package you choose. If you already pay for cable TV, CBS Sports Network may already be included without any extra cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch CBS Sports Network on Paramount Plus with an add-on subscription?
No. Paramount Plus does not offer CBS Sports Network as an add-on or premium tier. The channel is straightforward not part of Paramount Plus's streaming rights. You must use a different service to access it.
Will CBS Sports Network ever come to Paramount Plus?
Streaming rights are negotiated separately for each service and can change over time. There is no current plan to add CBS Sports Network to Paramount Plus, but licensing agreements can shift in the future. Check Paramount Plus periodically if this is important to you.
If a game airs on both CBS and CBS Sports Network, can I watch it on Paramount Plus?
Only if it airs on the main CBS network. Games that broadcast on CBS typically stream on Paramount Plus the same day. Games that air only on CBS Sports Network will not be on Paramount Plus.
Is YouTube TV or Sling TV better for watching CBS Sports Network?
Sling TV is cheaper at around $40 per month, while YouTube TV costs around $72 per month but includes more channels overall. Choose based on your budget and whether you want other channels beyond CBS Sports Network.
Can I watch CBS Sports Network on the CBS Sports app?
The CBS Sports app shows scores, news, and highlights, but does not stream CBS Sports Network live. You need a live TV streaming service or cable subscription to watch the channel itself.