The Ultimate 2025 Guide: What Channel Is CBS Sports Network On Dish Network And Why It Matters
For sports fans subscribing to Dish Network, knowing exactly where to find the action on CBS Sports Network (CBSSN) is crucial, especially with the packed 2025 schedule now underway. As of December 20, 2025, the dedicated home for all things CBSSN remains a single, easy-to-remember channel number, providing a consistent source for live games, in-depth analysis, and exclusive original programming. However, the broader landscape of CBS content on Dish is often subject to the high-stakes negotiations and carriage disputes that have become a common feature of the satellite television industry, making it essential to stay informed about your local channels.
The good news is that the channel for the national CBS Sports Network has held steady, ensuring you can tune in quickly to catch everything from major college sports to niche competitions. This guide provides the most current channel information, a deep dive into the must-watch 2025 programming slate, and an explanation of the ongoing issues that sometimes affect the main CBS local affiliates, which carry a different, but equally important, set of sports broadcasts.
Your CBSSN Channel Number and Full 2025 Programming Lineup on Dish Network
The CBS Sports Network (CBSSN) is a staple for dedicated sports enthusiasts, offering 24/7 coverage of events and news that often fly under the radar of major broadcast networks. On Dish Network, the channel is consistently located on a premier sports tier.
The Essential Channel Number for CBSSN
- CBS Sports Network (CBSSN) Channel Number: 158
- Availability: CBSSN is generally included in the America's Top 120+ package and higher-tier programming packages.
- Primary CBS Local Channel: The main CBS broadcast network (which carries NFL, major college football, and golf majors) is typically found on channels 2 through 70, depending on your local market and regional affiliate.
Channel 158 is your direct gateway to a massive amount of live sports action, analysis, and original content that complements the major broadcasts found on the main CBS network.
Must-Watch 2025 Programming and Sports Entities
The 2025 calendar year is loaded with compelling sports coverage on CBS Sports Network. The network strategically focuses on high-value college sports and professional leagues, providing extensive topical authority across several key areas. The programming slate ensures there is always something fresh to watch, from major conference battles to unique championship events.
College Sports Dominance
CBSSN is a powerhouse for college sports, particularly for conferences like the Mountain West and the American Athletic Conference (AAC). The 2025 schedule includes:
- College Football: Coverage of exciting matchups, including early-season games like Sam Houston at Western Kentucky, alongside weekly analysis and highlight shows.
- College Basketball (Men's and Women's): The network provides extensive coverage throughout the season. Key early-season matchups for the 2025-26 season include women's basketball with Gonzaga at Toledo and men's action featuring Duke at Army.
- College Sports Talk: Shows like CBS Sports College Basketball Talk provide in-depth analysis, expert picks, and predictions throughout the season.
Niche and Professional Leagues
Beyond the major college sports, CBSSN is a go-to destination for several other popular and niche professional sports, significantly expanding its coverage footprint.
- Professional Bull Riding (PBR): Fans can catch the thrilling action and high-stakes competition of the PBR tour.
- Lacrosse: Extensive coverage of both men's and women's professional and college lacrosse.
- Auto Racing: Various events and series from the world of motorsports.
- Golf and Tennis: Coverage of select tournaments and analysis throughout the year.
Exclusive Original Content
The network also features unique programming and championships that cater to a wide audience, such as the 2025 Service Titan HVAC National Championship and the Million Dollar Breakaway series. For 24/7 sports news and highlights, the free streaming service CBS Sports HQ is also a valuable resource, providing instant game reactions and analysis.
Understanding the Difference: CBSSN vs. Local CBS Stations
It is crucial for Dish Network subscribers to understand the distinction between the national CBS Sports Network (CBSSN) on Channel 158 and their local CBS affiliate. While both fall under the CBS umbrella, they carry different programming and are subject to different distribution agreements.
The Role of Local CBS Affiliates
Your local CBS station—the one that broadcasts the NFL on Sunday afternoons, the SEC on CBS college football games, and the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament—is part of the main CBS broadcast network. These channels are owned by local broadcasters or by Paramount Global itself (the parent company of CBS).
- Key Programming: NFL, SEC Football, NCAA March Madness, PGA Golf.
- The Dispute Factor: These local channels are frequently at the center of "retransmission consent disputes" between Dish Network and the broadcasters.
The Impact of Carriage Disputes on Sports Fans
Dish Network, a subsidiary of EchoStar Corp., has been involved in high-profile negotiations that sometimes result in the temporary blackout of local CBS stations in specific markets. This means that while CBSSN (Channel 158) remains available, you could lose access to your local team's NFL or college game on the main CBS channel.
The core issue revolves around the fees that Dish Network must pay to the broadcasters to carry their signal. When an agreement expires and a new one isn't reached, the broadcaster often pulls the signal, leaving subscribers without their local news and major sports broadcasts. Dish Network has actively urged the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to overhaul these retransmission consent rules, arguing that consumers are put in the middle of these negotiations.
Maximizing Your Sports Viewing Experience on Dish
As a Dish Network customer, you have access to a significant sports lineup, but a few strategies can help you ensure you never miss a major game, especially during times of potential blackouts.
Leveraging Streaming Alternatives
If a local CBS blackout occurs, you still have options to watch the main CBS network's sports coverage:
- Paramount+: CBS Sports content, including NFL and college games, is often available to stream live via the Paramount+ streaming service. This can serve as a crucial backup during a dispute.
- Over-the-Air Antenna: Since the local CBS channel is a broadcast network, an inexpensive HD antenna can often pick up the signal for free, bypassing the satellite provider entirely for local programming.
Checking Your Package
To ensure you have access to Channel 158, verify that your Dish Network subscription includes the necessary sports tier. CBSSN is a premium sports entity, and while included in many popular packages, it may require an upgrade for some lower-tier subscribers. If you’re a serious sports fan, the depth of coverage on CBSSN, from college football to professional bull riding, makes it a valuable addition to your satellite TV lineup.
In summary, the CBS Sports Network (CBSSN) is firmly established on Dish Network Channel 158, delivering a fresh and comprehensive slate of 2025 programming. By understanding the distinction between this national channel and your local CBS affiliate, and by having backup plans for potential disputes, you can ensure your sports viewing remains uninterrupted.
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