Paramount Plus does not carry CBS Sports Network as a standalone channel
Paramount Plus does not include CBS Sports Network in its streaming library. CBS Sports Network is a cable channel owned by Paramount Global (the same parent company), but it is not bundled into any Paramount Plus subscription tier. If you want to watch CBS Sports Network programming, you will need either a cable or satellite TV subscription that includes the channel, or a live TV streaming service that carries it.
This is a common source of confusion because Paramount Plus does carry other CBS-branded content — including live NFL games on Thursday nights, college football, and the NCAA tournament. But CBS Sports Network specifically, which airs golf, college sports, and other programming, remains separate from the streaming service.
Key Takeaways
- CBS Sports Network is not included with any Paramount Plus subscription plan, despite both being owned by Paramount Global.
- Paramount Plus does stream live NFL Thursday Night Football, college football, and NCAA tournament games, but these are separate from CBS Sports Network's regular schedule.
- To watch CBS Sports Network, you need either a traditional cable or satellite TV package, or a live TV streaming service like YouTube TV, Hulu with Live TV, or Sling TV.
- Some CBS Sports Network events may be available through the CBS Sports app or website if you have a cable login, depending on your provider.
What sports content Paramount Plus actually offers
Paramount Plus carries live sports through its partnership with CBS Sports. You can watch NFL games on Thursday nights, college football games, college basketball, the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament, and golf tournaments including the PGA Tour. The service also includes some international soccer matches and other sporting events that air on the CBS broadcast network.
The sports content on Paramount Plus comes from CBS's broadcast rights, not from CBS Sports Network's cable channel. This distinction matters because CBS Sports Network has its own separate broadcast rights for different events — particularly college sports, golf, and niche sports programming that do not air on the main CBS channel.
Live TV streaming services that include CBS Sports Network
If CBS Sports Network is important to you, the most direct route is a live TV streaming service. YouTube TV, Hulu with Live TV, and Sling TV all carry CBS Sports Network as part of their channel packages. These services let you stream the channel on demand and often include cloud DVR storage so you can record events to watch later.
YouTube TV and Hulu with Live TV are the most comprehensive options — both include the full cable channel lineup plus local CBS stations in most markets. Sling TV is less expensive but carries fewer channels overall; you would need to check whether it includes CBS Sports Network in your specific region, as Sling's channel lineup varies by location.
Using the CBS Sports app as an alternative
The CBS Sports app and CBSSports.com website stream some CBS Sports Network events, but only if you log in with a cable or satellite TV provider account. This is called "TV Everywhere" authentication. If your cable or satellite package includes CBS Sports Network, you can use your provider login to watch certain events through the app without paying extra.
Not every CBS Sports Network event is available through the app — it depends on the broadcast rights for that specific event. Golf tournaments, for example, are often available, but some college sports events may not be. You would need to check the CBS Sports app for the specific event you want to watch.
Why CBS Sports Network is separate from Paramount Plus
Paramount Global owns both Paramount Plus and CBS Sports Network, but they operate as separate businesses with different revenue models. Paramount Plus is a subscription streaming service that competes with Netflix and Disney Plus. CBS Sports Network is a cable channel that generates revenue through cable provider fees and advertising, similar to ESPN or Fox Sports.
Adding CBS Sports Network to Paramount Plus would require renegotiating broadcast rights and potentially losing cable provider fees — a trade-off Paramount has not made. This is why many streaming services owned by larger media companies still do not include all their parent company's channels.
Checking what sports are available on your Paramount Plus plan
Paramount Plus offers the same sports content across all subscription tiers — both the ad-supported and ad-free plans include live NFL Thursday Night Football and college sports. The difference between tiers is only the presence of ads and access to other entertainment content, not sports availability.
You can browse the Paramount Plus app or website to see the current sports schedule. Look for the "Sports" section or search for specific events. The service usually lists upcoming games several weeks in advance, so you can see whether the sport or team you want to watch is available before you commit to a subscription.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch CBS Sports Network events on Paramount Plus if I have a cable login?
No. Paramount Plus does not offer TV Everywhere authentication for CBS Sports Network. Even if you have a cable subscription that includes CBS Sports Network, you cannot use that login on Paramount Plus. You would need to use the CBS Sports app or CBSSports.com instead, where TV Everywhere logins are accepted.
Does Paramount Plus have any golf tournaments?
Paramount Plus carries some golf events, particularly PGA Tour tournaments that air on CBS. However, CBS Sports Network carries additional golf programming that is not on Paramount Plus. If you want comprehensive golf coverage, a live TV streaming service that includes CBS Sports Network would give you more options.
Will Paramount Plus add CBS Sports Network in the future?
There is no announced plan for Paramount Plus to add CBS Sports Network. Streaming services rarely add cable channels to their lineups because of how broadcast rights and cable fees work. If this changes, Paramount would likely announce it publicly, but there is no indication this is under consideration.
Is there a cheaper way to watch CBS Sports Network than a full live TV streaming service?
Not through a streaming service. Your options are a traditional cable or satellite TV package, or a live TV streaming service. Sling TV is typically the least expensive live TV option, though it carries fewer channels overall. Check whether CBS Sports Network is available in your region on Sling before subscribing.