The Sinclair Broadcast Group owns one of the most extensive portfolios in the U.S. media landscape. As of September 2025, the company’s reach extends far beyond its well-known local television stations, covering cable networks, multicast channels, regional sports, and growing digital assets. With strategic sales and acquisitions reshaping its portfolio this year, understanding what does Sinclair Broadcast Group own is more important than ever for anyone following broadcasting, media investments, or local news access.
A Nationwide Network of Television Stations
At its core, Sinclair remains a powerhouse in local broadcasting. The company owns, operates, or provides services to approximately 178 television stations across 81 markets. These stations include affiliations with every major broadcast network:
- ABC
- CBS
- NBC
- FOX
- The CW
- MyNetworkTV
With these affiliations, Sinclair reaches about 40% of American households. This scale makes it one of the most influential broadcast groups in the country, capable of shaping local news coverage and entertainment programming in nearly every region.
Sinclair’s dominance in broadcasting ensures it holds significant leverage with networks, advertisers, and regulators. Whether viewers are watching prime-time dramas, morning newscasts, or regional sports, chances are Sinclair plays a role in delivering that content.
Multicast Networks Owned by Sinclair
Beyond its core station group, Sinclair has invested heavily in multicast networks—digital subchannels designed to target niche audiences. These platforms have become increasingly important as cord-cutting accelerates and viewers seek specialized programming.
Here are the key multicast networks Sinclair currently owns:
- Roar – Rebranded in April 2025 (formerly TBD). Roar now focuses on comedy, reality shows, and viral-inspired content, aiming to capture younger audiences.
- Comet – A science fiction and fantasy-focused channel showcasing classic and modern programming.
- Charge! – A network dedicated to action and adventure content, including movies and television series.
- The Nest – Focused on lifestyle and reality programming, catering to audiences interested in home, travel, and personal stories.
These channels help Sinclair broaden its content strategy, reaching demographics that traditional broadcast networks often overlook.
Cable Networks and Sports Media Investments
Sinclair’s ownership isn’t limited to over-the-air broadcasting. It also maintains a presence in national cable and regional sports networks:
- Tennis Channel – A full-time sports cable network that delivers global tennis coverage, live tournaments, documentaries, and player features. The channel has become an essential hub for tennis fans, and its international scope helps Sinclair diversify beyond U.S. local broadcasting.
- Marquee Sports Network – Sinclair holds a 50% stake in this regional sports network, which is best known for airing Chicago Cubs games. Marquee provides Sinclair with a foothold in Major League Baseball broadcasting, one of the most lucrative areas in sports media.
Sports networks are particularly valuable because they draw live audiences—something advertisers continue to prize as on-demand streaming erodes traditional TV viewership.
Digital and Non-Broadcast Ventures
A critical part of answering what does Sinclair Broadcast Group own involves its Ventures division. This arm covers assets outside traditional television and is central to Sinclair’s growth strategy in a digital-first world.
Key components include:
- Digital Remedy – An advertising technology platform focused on programmatic ad services.
- Private Equity and Real Estate Investments – Diverse holdings designed to stabilize revenue outside media volatility.
- Production and Distribution Subsidiaries – Units that create and manage original programming, station operations, and syndication.
The Ventures segment represents Sinclair’s recognition that future profitability requires balancing broadcast assets with digital and technology investments.
Recent Sales and Acquisitions in 2025
Sinclair has actively reshaped its portfolio this year through both acquisitions and divestitures:
- Sale of NewsOn – Sinclair sold its local news streaming platform, NewsOn, to Zeam in August 2025. This move reflects Sinclair’s pivot toward more profitable ventures while stepping back from some streaming services.
- Acquisition of WDKA and KBSI Assets – Sinclair acquired non-licensed assets of two stations in Kentucky and Missouri, with the option to acquire licensed assets in the future. This strengthens its regional coverage in the Midwest.
- Station Sales to Rincon Broadcasting – Earlier in 2025, Sinclair sold five Midwest stations to Rincon Broadcasting Group, signaling a selective pullback in certain markets.
These moves highlight Sinclair’s dual strategy: pruning weaker assets while reinforcing strongholds in growth areas like sports, ad tech, and premium cable.
Strategic Review and Potential Spin-Offs
In August 2025, Sinclair announced a strategic review of its operations. This includes evaluating whether to spin off its Ventures division into a separate entity.
Why? Two major reasons:
- Revenue Pressures in Broadcasting – Sinclair reported about a 5% year-over-year revenue decline for the quarter ending June 30, 2025. The drop reflects broader challenges in the broadcast industry as advertising dollars shift toward digital.
- Unlocking Value in Non-Broadcast Assets – Management believes assets like the Tennis Channel, Marquee Sports stake, and Digital Remedy are undervalued within the current structure. A spin-off could attract investors who prefer growth-oriented businesses.
If Sinclair follows through, this restructuring could dramatically reshape what the company owns, splitting it into distinct broadcast and non-broadcast arms.
Mergers, Proposals, and Market Positioning
In addition to restructuring, Sinclair has expressed interest in larger industry consolidation. Earlier in 2025, it floated a proposal to merge its broadcast division with Tegna. While Nexstar currently leads with a competing $6.2 billion bid, Sinclair’s involvement underscores its ambition to expand.
Mergers like this matter because they can alter the media landscape, determining who controls access to local news and entertainment across dozens of U.S. cities.
The Importance of Sinclair’s Holdings
When asking what does Sinclair Broadcast Group own, the answer is not just a list of properties—it’s about influence.
- Scale of Reach – Nearly 180 local stations give Sinclair an unmatched ability to reach households nationwide.
- Diversified Content – From sci-fi on Comet to live sports on Marquee, Sinclair appeals to multiple audiences.
- Adaptability – By selling platforms like NewsOn and exploring spin-offs, Sinclair shows it is willing to adapt to industry change.
- Regulatory Impact – Its size ensures constant oversight from the Federal Communications Commission, especially as it pursues mergers or restructurings.
Challenges Ahead
While Sinclair owns a massive media portfolio, challenges remain:
- Advertising Declines – Core broadcast revenue continues to face pressure from streaming and digital competitors.
- Regulatory Scrutiny – FCC rules on ownership caps could limit Sinclair’s expansion plans.
- Public Perception – Sinclair’s editorial influence has sparked criticism in the past, raising questions about its role in shaping local news.
Despite these challenges, the company’s diversified portfolio provides resilience in a volatile market.
Final Thoughts
So, what does Sinclair Broadcast Group own in 2025? The company controls one of the largest collections of local TV stations in the United States, along with multicast networks like Roar and Comet, national assets such as the Tennis Channel, a 50% stake in Marquee Sports Network, and a Ventures division covering digital advertising, real estate, and equity investments. Recent acquisitions, sales, and a major strategic review show that its ownership is evolving quickly.
Sinclair remains a powerful force in shaping what Americans watch, both locally and nationally. Its next steps—whether spinning off assets, pursuing mergers, or expanding further into digital—will determine how its influence continues to grow.
What do you think about Sinclair’s expanding media footprint? Does its scale benefit viewers with diverse content, or raise concerns about concentrated control?