NBCUniversal is considering the launch of a standalone linear sports channel.
The Wall Street Journal reported that the new channel would draw on sports content that already features on the Peacock streaming service.
It would be offered to operators for inclusion in thematic packages and could launch as soon as the autumn. Live sports is seen as one of few bright spots in the declining channels sector.
The Journal said talks were still at an early stage and no commitment had been made in whether the project would go ahead.
The news comes ahead of owner Comcast’s planned spin-off of its cable channels business.
Versant would also include USA, CNBC, MSNBC, Oxygen, E!, SYFY and Golf Channel.
