Generating key takeaways...
Sports Illustrated has expanded its video footprint with the launch of SI TV, a free ad-supported streaming channel offering round‑the‑clock programming drawn from the magazine’s journalism and decades of archived material.
The 24/7 FAST (free ad‑supported streaming TV) service debuts with a mix of original series, studio shows, podcasts, live events and curated archival packages.
According to Sports Illustrated, early highlights include behind‑the‑scenes features from iconic Sports Illustrated cover shoots, daily betting insights, the docuseries Around the W, the Forde‑Yard Dash and MMQB, plus live game coverage from the Mountain West Conference Network.
The channel will also present Sports Illustrated Vault, a selection of historic sports moments and exclusive footage from the magazine’s archives.
“SI TV is a new platform for what SI has always done: tell the best stories in sports with authoritative voices and unique access,” said Steve Cannella, Editor‑in‑Chief of Sports Illustrated, commenting on the launch. “We’re excited to expand that mission into the FAST space. From news‑based analysis to longer‑form storytelling, SI TV will feature our signature content in reimagined ways for new audiences.”
SI TV is already available across a broad roster of FAST and streaming platforms, including Amazon Fire TV, DirecTV, and others, with a rollout planned for The Roku Channel.
The launch follows a period of rising video engagement for Sports Illustrated. The company reported significant year‑on‑year increases in views and watch time across its YouTube content in 2025, a growth trend the new channel aims to capitalise on by repackaging short‑form and long‑form journalism for linear FAST consumption. The channel will also include exclusive presentations such as a full broadcast of the Sportsperson of the Year awards ceremony, extending SI’s event programming into the streaming domain.
Source: Noah Wire Services
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
8
Notes:
The article reports on the launch of SI TV on January 22, 2026. However, similar announcements were made earlier, such as on January 20, 2026, by Advanced Television ([advanced-television.com](https://www.advanced-television.com/2026/01/20/sports-illustrated-launches-fast-channel/?utm_source=openai)) and on January 20, 2026, by Sports Video Group ([sportsvideo.org](https://www.sportsvideo.org/2026/01/20/sports-illustrated-announces-new-streaming-channel-si-tv/?utm_source=openai)). The Broadband TV News article may be republishing information from these earlier sources, which could affect its freshness score.
Quotes check
Score:
7
Notes:
The article includes a quote from Steve Cannella, Editor-in-Chief of Sports Illustrated: “SI TV is a new platform for what SI has always done: tell the best stories in sports with authoritative voices and unique access.” This quote appears in the Advanced Television article ([advanced-television.com](https://www.advanced-television.com/2026/01/20/sports-illustrated-launches-fast-channel/?utm_source=openai)). The exact origin of the quote is unclear, raising concerns about its originality.
Source reliability
Score:
6
Notes:
Broadband TV News is a niche publication focusing on the broadcast and cable industry. While it provides industry-specific news, its reach and influence are limited compared to major news organisations. Additionally, the article may be republishing information from other sources, which could affect its reliability.
Plausability check
Score:
9
Notes:
The launch of SI TV aligns with Sports Illustrated’s recent expansion into digital platforms. The article provides specific details about the channel’s content and availability, which are consistent with other reports. However, the potential republishing of information from other sources raises questions about the article’s originality.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): FAIL
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): MEDIUM
Summary:
The article reports on the launch of SI TV but may be republishing information from earlier sources, which affects its freshness and originality. The reliance on potentially non-independent verification sources further diminishes its reliability.
