The North American Sports Network will this weekend rebrand as ESPN America. The premium channel will broadcast over 800 live and as-live sports events from Major League Baseball (MLB), National Hockey League (NHL) and NCAA college football and basketball.
Viewers in the UK will benefit from a clear window running from 06.00 on Friday morning (January 30) through to 06.00 on Monday February 2. The rebrand itself takes place at 0.00 on Sunday morning.
A wide range of sports will be available during the free-to-air period including Live NHL as the Pittsburgh Penguins and Toronto Maple Leafs continue to try and secure their places in the play-offs and NCAA basketball games ahead of March Madness.
Outside of the UK the highlight is Superbowl 43, which ESPN America will be screening in over 20 European countries, including Germany, France, Poland and the Netherlands.
UK distribution is over Sky Digital and Virgin Media.