TV Rumor: CBS Sports expected to merge with TNT Sports

According to a report by Puck sports correspondent John Ourand on Thursday evening, both companies’ respective sports divisions—CBS Sports and TNT Sports—will merge in the third quarter of this year “if all goes according to plan.” CBS Sports president David Berson “is seen as the odds-on favorite to run the combined division,” Ourand writes.

Of course, there are still many hurdles for Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery to clear before a combination becomes official. Not only does the transaction still need federal regulatory approval, but a number of state attorneys general have already thrown the flag on a merger. Not to mention, there will be additional challenges abroad, specifically in Europe, to move the deal forward.

If a merger is completed in Q3 2026, it would open up the possibility for CBS to broadcast TNT Sports properties, like postseason MLB games, as soon as this season. Awful Announcing

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For now, CBS Sports and TNT Sports are operating as independent entities. As of 2026, TNT Sports broadcasts the NASCAR Cup Series (specifically a summer in-season tournament). CBS Sports features various motorsports, including the now defunct Superstar Racing Experience (SRX), with potential for broader NASCAR involvement. TNT and TBS frequently partner with CBS for major event coverage, although their 2026 racing focus is focused on NASCAR.