Saturday, October 17, 2026

Return of NFL Boosts ViacomCBS’ $6.61B Quarter

Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports/Design: John Regula

Want more from Front Office Sports
in your search results?

Add Front Office Sports on Google

ViacomCBS posted $6.61 billion in quarterly revenue Thursday, an improvement on analyst estimates of $6.57 billion.

The 13% year-over-year increase was attributed in part to the beginning of the NFL season in the third quarter. In the first four weeks of the season, CBS’ average viewership increased 22% year-over-year to 17.9 million viewers.

The media giant struck an 11-year, $2.1 billion-per-season deal with the league in March.

Profit declined year-over-year from $615 million to $538 million despite a revenue spike, due to new investments in content development.

  • Streaming revenue jumped 62% to $1.1 billion — passing the $1 billion milestone for the first time.
  • Streaming advertising revenue increased 48% to $531 million, and cable network ad revenue moved up 6%.
  • The TV Entertainment division, which includes CBS Sports, saw revenue climb 24% to $2.9 billion.

The company reached 47 million global streaming subscribers, adding 4.3 million in the three months ended Sept. 30.

During the quarter, ViacomCBS and Comcast announced the forthcoming SkyShowtime, a European streaming service that will combine the libraries of multiple media entities from each conglomerate.

Download the FOS App

The business of sports, in your pocket.

QR code to download the app

Scan the QR code to get the app now.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

NFL Reinstates Josh Jacobs, Jonathon Cooper From Paid Leave

Each player missed six games while on the commissioner-exempt list.
Troy Aikman
Exclusive

Troy Aikman, Dolphins Have No Ongoing Consulting Agreement

Aikman’s official role ended with the coach and GM searches.

Jags Eye First London Sweep As U.K. Future Remains Uncertain

The Jaguars host the Texans after beating the Eagles.
Opinion

Troy Aikman–Joe Buck Breakup Looks More Likely Than Ever

ESPN hasn’t formally offered Troy Aikman a new deal, sources say.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

10/16/26 – Aikman Eyes Free Agency, CFP Nears 24 Teams, Stoudemire Becomes Cop

0:00

Featured Today

College Flag Football Is Outgrowing Its DIY Era

Women have been building the college game themselves at the club level.
Oct 5, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas arrives at the arena before the Penguins host the Winnipeg Jets at PPG Paints Arena
October 12, 2026

NHL’s New Wave of GMs Is Built Different

“I am in the prediction business,” Devils GM Sunny Mehta tells FOS.
Action Images/Peter Cziborra
October 9, 2026

Is Leicester City’s $264 Million Price Tag Too Rich for Hungry Investors?

After falling from grace, how much is a former top club worth?
Oct 3, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Kalen DeBoer waits to run onto the field prior to the game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
October 7, 2026

Who Is Alabama Football in Year 3 Under Kalen DeBoer?

The No. 6 Crimson Tide host No. 2 Georgia on Saturday.
Cubs behind the scenes
October 6, 2026

Hollywood and TikTok: Sports Media’s New ‘Blueprint’

Teams and leagues are pouring money into the quest for fans.
Nov 3, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Television commentator Troy Aikman speaks before the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Arizona Cardinals at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Aikman Eyeing ‘Next Landing Spot,’ Doesn’t Deny Rift With Buck

Aikman is slated to become a free agent after the season.
Pablo Torre Tuned In Front Office Sports
October 14, 2026

Pablo Torre: Not Getting Sued by Jordon Hudson ‘Kind of a Bummer’

Hudson had threatened to sue Torre for defamation over his podcast’s investigations.
October 14, 2026

ESPN Not Reaching Out on Clippers Story Was ‘Disappointing’ for Torre

Torre spoke at the FOS Tuned In summit Tuesday.
Sponsored

The State of AI in Sports 2026

Front Office Sports and Teamworks reveal how AI is reshaping sports in the first industry-wide report on adoption, investment, and impact.
ESPN/ABC Monday Night Football commentators Joe Buck, left, and Troy Aikman before the Detroit Lions vs. Las Vegas Raiders game at Ford Field, Monday, Oct. 30, 2023.
Exclusive
October 14, 2026

Joe Buck, Troy Aikman Have Had Tension Amid ESPN Contract Talks

The “MNF” duo had an argument before this week’s broadcast.
Jun 27, 2026; Chaska, Minnesota, USA; Nelly Korda hits from a fairway bunker on the first hole during the third round of the KPMG Women's PGA Championship golf tournament.
October 14, 2026

LPGA’s Media-Rights Deals Depend on PGA, NFL Negotiations

LPGA commissioner Craig Kessler is watching the landscape closely.
October 14, 2026

Jessica Berman Says Failed Victory+ Deal Was Risk Worth Taking

The NWSL had a deal with failed streamer Victory+.
Mike Tirico Front Office Sports Tuned In
October 14, 2026

Mike Tirico Worries About Donor Fatigue in College Football

Tirico said donors may question whether their returns are worthwhile.