Navio Networks launched the Court Sports Network, a free ad-supported channel dedicated to racquet and paddle sports.
Court Sports Network features matches from several court leagues, including pickleball, tennis, table tennis, squash, beach tennis, wheelchair tennis, padel, badminton, and platform tennis. The network covers live events, original content, behind-the-scenes access to the top professional athletes, and coverage of tournaments.
“Court Sports Network’s diverse programming caters to sports enthusiasts across the globe,” said Douglas Neiman, chief executive officer at Navio Networks. “We have seen incredible cross-over growth, participation, and viewership between the various racquet and paddle sport disciplines.”
The launch of Court Sports Network comes as sports takes a more prominent role in the world of streaming. But it’s not only major leagues like football or baseball, but also a variety of sports with a local following but little national coverage. Leagues and the brands that support them have turned to streaming platforms to showcase their athletes.
Court Sports Network is available on Sling Freestream, Fubo, Plex, LocalNow, Sports.tv, Sports Tribal, and DistroTV. Navio Networks is in discussions with more ad-supported platforms to expand the channel’s reach.
The network partnered with the Association of Pickleball Professionals, a leading pickleball league, to host matches and championships on the channel.
“We are excited to collaborate with Naio Networks on the launch of Court Sports Network,” said Tom Webb, chief marketing officer at the Association of Pickleball Professionals. “This channel is a fantastic addition to the sports landscape, and we look forward to showcasing top-tier pickleball athletes to the FAST audience.”
Last year’s pickleball tournament faced steep competition as Jenna Hessert and Jessica Warren competed at the APP U.S. Indoor Championships for the Women’s Pro Singles. Chris Haworth and Hunter Johnson faced off for the Men’s Pro Singles.
Additionally, Court Sports Network partnered with the Professional Squash Association, Davis Cup, Beach Tennis, Wheelchair Tennis from the International Tennis Federation, table tennis championships from T2 Diamond League, and USA Table Tennis, including in-depth coverage of platform tennis from the APTA.
Navio Networks owns and operates six themed FAST channels:
- Court Sports Network – Racket and paddle news
- MilitaryTimes – Dedicated to military content
- Wired2fish.TV – 100% angling
- CampusLore Sports – College sports
- Quietude 4K – A visual zen experience in 4K
- Horror Machine – More than 150 cult classics