What Sinclair Broadcast does

Sinclair Broadcast Group, operating as Sinclair, Inc. and traded on NASDAQ under SBGI, is one of the largest and most diversified television broadcasting companies in the United States. The company owns, operates, or provides services to 177 television stations across 79 markets, affiliated with all major broadcast networks (ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, CW, MyTV, Univision). Beyond its local broadcast core, Sinclair operates a portfolio of wholly owned and joint-venture assets including Tennis Channel (the only multiplatform 24/7 tennis destination with exclusive U.S. rights to Wimbledon, Roland Garros, Australian Open, and ATP/WTA events), YES Network (regional rights to the New York Yankees, Brooklyn Nets, and New York Liberty), four multicast networks (COMET, CHARGE!, ROAR, The Nest), and national programming brands such as The National Desk and Full Measure with Sharyl Attkisson. The pending acquisition of 21 Disney Regional Sports Networks would make Sinclair the operator of the largest RSN portfolio in the country.

Sinclair's underlying technology stack includes ATSC 3.0/NextGen Broadcast development through ONE Media Technologies, broadcast systems manufacturing through Dielectric, and the CAST.ERA and Bitpath platforms for content delivery and ATSC 3.0 data solutions. The company distributes content via local over-the-air broadcast, pay-TV affiliates, streaming platforms (Amazon Prime Video, YouTube TV, Amazon Channels), and direct-to-consumer apps including Tennis Channel Plus and Tennis Channel International (live in seven international markets).

The business model combines four primary revenue streams: (1) local and national television advertising sold through station-level sales teams and the unified AMP Sales & Marketing Solutions division; (2) recurring retransmission fees paid by pay-TV distributors for carriage of Sinclair stations; (3) cyclical political advertising that surges in election years (at least $333M projected for 2026); and (4) subscription revenue from Tennis Channel Plus/International DTC streaming and, post-acquisition, regional sports network carriage. Full-year 2026 revenue is guided to $3.4-3.54B, with Q1 2026 Adjusted EBITDA of $126M up 13% year-over-year. The company is headquartered in Hunt Valley, Maryland, employs 5,001-10,000 people, and has maintained 17 consecutive years of dividend payments.

Name

Sinclair Broadcast

Legal name

Sinclair, Inc.

Website

https://sbgi.net

Company type

Public

Founded year

1990

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

5,001–10,000 employees

Short description

Sinclair Broadcast Group operates 177 local TV stations across 79 US markets alongside sports properties (Tennis Channel, YES Network), multicast networks, and broadcast technology assets, generating revenue from local and national advertising, retransmission fees, political advertising, and DTC streaming subscriptions.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Broadcast Television

NAICS

Television Broadcasting Stations (516120), Media Streaming Distribution Services, Social Networks, and Other Media Networks and Content Providers (51621)

SIC

Television Broadcasting Stations (4833)

akta.pro primary industry

Local TV Station Groups (Owned & Operated/Station Chains) (MPABACAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

National Sports Broadcast Networks (MPABAAAC), National Broadcast News Networks (MPABAAAB)

Keywords

• Television broadcasting
• Multicast networks
• Regional sports
• Streaming subscriptions
• Broadcast advertising

Headquarters

HQ city

Hunt Valley

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Digital Commerce or Content

Cost components

Operations, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Advertising Revenue: Core advertising revenue from local and national TV advertising, including core advertising revenue growth of 14% year-over-year in Q4 2025. Political advertising revenue expected to reach at least $333 million in the 2026 midterm election year.
2. Retransmission Fees: Fees paid by pay-TV distributors (cable, satellite, streaming) for the right to broadcast Sinclair's stations. Revenue stabilizing at flat-to-1% growth in 2026, offsetting cord-cutting declines. The company faces ongoing retransmission fee negotiations with pay-TV distributors.
3. Political Advertising: Political advertising revenue surges during election cycles. The company anticipates a record midterm political year with at least $333 million in political advertising revenue for 2026, driven by FIFA World Cup and 2026 midterm elections.
4. Tennis Channel Subscriptions: Direct-to-consumer streaming subscription service (Tennis Channel Plus) offering additional 4,500 live and on-demand matches. International subscriptions through Tennis Channel International in UK, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Netherlands, Greece, and India via digital subscription and FAST channels.
5. Regional Sports Networks: Sinclair agreed to acquire 21 Regional Sports Networks from Disney at a valuation of $10.6 billion (purchase price $9.6 billion after adjusting for minority equity interests), positioning the company as operator of the largest RSN portfolio with exclusive rights to 42 professional teams across MLB, NBA, and NHL.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Sinclair Broadcast Group operates the largest portfolio of local television stations in the United States, owning, operating, or providing services to 177 stations across 79 markets affiliated with all major broadcast networks. The company generates revenue primarily through local and national broadcast advertising, retransmission fees from pay-TV distributors, subscription streaming services (Tennis Channel Plus and Tennis Channel International), and advertising sales through its AMP Sales & Marketing Solutions division. Its content portfolio spans multicast networks (COMET, CHARGE!, ROAR, The Nest), sports properties (Tennis Channel, YES Network), and news programming (The National Desk, Full Measure), serving both consumer audiences and business advertisers.

Product overview

Sinclair Broadcast Group is a diversified media company operating as a platform-plus-modules architecture. The core offering consists of 177 television stations in 79 markets across all major broadcast networks, supplemented by multicast networks (COMET, CHARGE!, ROAR, The Nest), sports properties (Tennis Channel with its streaming variants, YES Network), and news programs (The National Desk, Full Measure with investigative units like Spotlight on America and Project Baltimore). Supporting services include AMP Sales & Marketing Solutions for advertising, and technology platforms including Dielectric (broadcast systems), NextGen Broadcast/ATSC 3.0, ONE Media Technologies, CAST.ERA, and Broadspan Wireless. The portfolio also includes digital properties like Tennis.com, podcasts, and corporate initiatives such as Sinclair Cares.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Tennis Channel: The ONLY multiplatform 24/7 destination dedicated to both the professional sport and tennis lifestyle, airing 4,500 live and on-demand matches with rights to Wimbledon, Roland Garros, Australian Open, ATP and WTA Tours.
• YES Network
• COMET
• CHARGE!
• ROAR
• The Nest
• The National Desk
• Full Measure

Products and services

• Local TV Stations (O&O) 177 owned or operated television stations across 79 US markets affiliated with all major broadcast networks (ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, CW, MyTV, Univision) serving local viewers and advertisers with news, sports, and entertainment content.
• Tennis Channel The only multiplatform 24/7 destination dedicated to both professional tennis and tennis lifestyle, airing 4,500 live and on-demand matches with exclusive U.S. rights to Wimbledon, Roland Garros, Australian Open, and all ATP and WTA Tour competitions.
• Tennis Channel Plus Direct-to-consumer streaming subscription service available across the US offering 4,500 live and on-demand tennis matches and award-winning tennis content throughout the season.
• Tennis Channel International International digital subscription and FAST channels bringing live tennis competition and network content to markets in UK, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Netherlands, Greece, and India.
• COMET Free ad-supported multicast TV network for sci-fi and fantasy fans featuring iconic franchises including The X-Files, XENA: Warrior Princess, Stargate SG-1, Grimm, plus major Hollywood blockbuster movies.
• CHARGE! Free TV multicast network focused on police procedurals including Law & Order: Criminal Intent, Homicide: Life on the Street, Criminal Minds, CSI: Miami, CSI: New York, and Without a Trace.
• ROAR Free TV multicast network featuring contemporary comedy including Saturday Night Live, Whose Line Is It Anyway?, America's Funniest Home Videos, Weakest Link, and Hollywood Game Night.
• The Nest Free TV multicast network featuring true-crime, factual reality, and celeb-family entertainment series focused on real people and real stories.
• YES Network Regional sports network with exclusive TV rights to New York Yankees (27-time World Champions), Brooklyn Nets, and New York Liberty, plus college sports, Manchester City and AC Milan soccer, and original programming, available via cable, satellite, and streaming.
• The National Desk (TND) Real-time national news program launched in 2021 providing comprehensive commentary-free news coverage utilizing Sinclair's station resources across 70+ stations nationwide and TheNationalDesk.com.
• Full Measure with Sharyl Attkisson Award-winning weekly national news program focused on investigative, original, and accountability reporting, hosted by Emmy-award winning journalist Sharyl Attkisson.
• AMP Sales & Marketing Solutions Unified advertising sales force offering campaigns across digital, traditional, local, social, audio, CTV, and streaming platforms with national reach, targeting one market, ten markets, or entire regions.
• Dielectric Broadcast Systems Designer and manufacturer of broadcast systems including all components from transmitter output to antenna, serving broadcast industry customers.
• ONE Media Technologies Developing, building, and deploying the Next Generation Broadcast Platform (ATSC 3.0) that enables broadcasters to reimagine use of their television channels.
• NextGen Broadcast (ATSC 3.0) Next generation broadcast standard (ATSC 3.0) offering innovative features to enhance and expand broadcast viewing experience.
• CAST.ERA Broadcast technology platform for content delivery and distribution, operated as a joint venture.
• Tennis.com The largest digital outlet dedicated to tennis, providing comprehensive tennis content and coverage online.
• Drive Auto Automotive marketing division offering advertising tools, technology, and expert marketing guidance for auto dealers of all sizes.
• Free State Digital marketing and advertising solutions provider for federal, state, and local government agencies.
• Digital Remedy Digital marketing and advertising technology services offered as part of Sinclair's marketing services portfolio.
• Compulse Marketing technology and managed services company built for local media and agencies.
• Cousins Podcast Weekly video podcast hosted by NBA Hall of Famers Vince Carter and Tracy McGrady, produced by AMP Sports as part of Sinclair's original sports podcast portfolio.
• Style of Play Women's Soccer Podcast Women's soccer podcast hosted by Julie Ertz and Kealia Watt, produced by Sinclair and AMP Sports ahead of major women's soccer events.
• Criminally Obsessed True crime content brand featuring original documentaries including 'Celeste: Trophy Wife or Framed for Life' and other true crime programming.

Quantifiable outcome

• Q1 2026 revenue of ~$870 million, up 4% year over year
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature7 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• ComscorecoreTechnology or Integration · 26 April 2026Comscore announced agreements with 15+ local broadcast station groups including Sinclair for cross-platform local measurement products covering all 210 U.S. Designated Market Areas. Comscore is the only measurement provider with both full JIC certification and MRC accreditation across all 210 local markets.
• Virginia TechminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 16 January 2026Virginia Tech partnered with Sinclair Broadcast Group, having trained 280 of their operators who have completed 45,000 flights as part of Virginia Tech's test site operations for safely integrating drones into the national airspace.
• Entertainment Studios (Byron Allen)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 30 December 2025Byron Allen's Entertainment Studios became an equity and content partner in the newly formed RSN Holding Company, which will hold Diamond Sports Group LLC as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sinclair. This partnership accompanies Sinclair's acquisition of 21 Regional Sports Networks from Disney at $10.6 billion valuation.
• Yankee Global EnterprisescoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 30 December 2025Yankee Global Enterprises (owner of the New York Yankees) co-invested with Sinclair to acquire Disney's equity interest in the YES Network for $3.47 billion as part of the broader RSN transaction.
• Feeding AmericaminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 19 November 2025Sinclair and Feeding America launched 'Sinclair Cares: Fill the Food Banks' and 'Sinclair Cares: Summer Hunger Relief' initiatives, utilizing Sinclair's media properties to support food banks and inspire audiences to make positive community impact.
• Amazon Prime VideocoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorTennis Channel launched on Amazon Prime Video, reaching record DTC subscribers. Tennis Channel also available through Amazon Channels for streaming distribution.
• YouTube TVcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorTennis Channel expanded streaming distribution through YouTube TV as part of plans to build streaming distribution capabilities across major platforms.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Direct peers

• Nexstar Media Group: The largest US owner of local TV stations (approximately 200+ stations after its Tribune acquisition), with a virtually identical business model of local broadcast advertising, retransmission fees, and political advertising cycles. The closest direct comparable to Sinclair's station portfolio.
• Gray Television: Operates a portfolio of ~180 local TV stations across the US, directly competing with Sinclair in mid-size markets for advertising, retransmission, and political revenue. Similar revenue mix and growth-by-acquisition strategy.
• TEGNA: Owns approximately 64 local TV stations in 51 US markets, competing with Sinclair for local advertisers, retransmission revenue, and digital content distribution. Highly comparable in scale, structure, and revenue streams.
• E.W. Scripps Company: Operates 61 local TV stations plus national networks (ION, Bounce), directly overlapping with Sinclair in local broadcast, political advertising, and retransmission revenue. Notably the target of Sinclair's recently rejected $622M takeover bid.
• Hearst Television: Owns and operates ~30 local TV stations affiliated with NBC, ABC, CBS, and FOX. Direct competitor for local advertising share and political cycles, and similar in its focus on local news quality.

Broad incumbents

• FOX Corporation: Owns the FOX broadcast network and FS1/FS2 sports networks; while Sinclair is a major FOX affiliate, FOX Corp is also a content/programming counterparty in retransmission negotiations and competes for sports rights.
• Paramount Global: Owns the CBS broadcast network and various cable sports/news networks. Sinclair stations affiliate with CBS in many markets, but Paramount is also an upstream counterparty for retransmission and a competitor in advertising inventory.
• Comcast / NBCUniversal: Owns the NBC broadcast network and Telemundo, with which many Sinclair stations affiliate. Also a pay-TV distributor in retransmission negotiations and a direct competitor in sports (NBC Sports) and digital advertising.
• The Walt Disney Company: Owns ABC (with which Sinclair stations affiliate) and ESPN, and is selling the 21 RSNs to Sinclair for $10.6B. Disney is both a major counterparty in retransmission and a competing sports rights buyer via ESPN's DTC pivot.

Emerging players

• Amazon Prime Video: Streams Tennis Channel to record DTC subscribers and is now a major bidder for live sports rights (NFL Thursday Night, etc.). Represents both a distribution partner for Sinclair and a long-term competitive threat to linear sports economics.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/wearesinclair
• YouTubeyoutube.com/c/TheNationalDesk
• Facebookfacebook.com/WeAreSinclair
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/sinclair-broadcast-group

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles11 records

Subsidiaries14 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A15 records

Investments11 records

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Sinclair Broadcast