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The Ultimate 2025 Guide: How To Watch CBS Sports On DISH Network (Channel, Packages, & Dispute Updates)

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As of December 2025, watching CBS Sports on DISH Network remains straightforward for most subscribers, though the landscape of local channel availability is always subject to change due to ongoing negotiations between the satellite provider and local broadcasters. This comprehensive guide provides the most current channel numbers, package requirements, and crucial updates regarding the recent carriage disputes that have affected millions of viewers.

The good news for sports fans is that the dedicated 24/7 channel, CBS Sports Network (CBSSN), is a staple of DISH's higher-tier programming. However, the ability to catch major events like the NFL on CBS or NCAA March Madness depends on your access to the local CBS affiliate, which is a separate entity often involved in retransmission consent fee battles. Understanding the difference between the national sports network and your local affiliate is key to uninterrupted viewing.

CBS Sports Network (CBSSN): Channel Number and Required DISH Packages

The CBS Sports Network (CBSSN) is the premier destination for a wide array of live college sports and original programming, separate from the primary CBS broadcast network. It is a must-have for fans of niche sports and comprehensive college coverage.

CBSSN Channel Details on DISH Network

  • CBSSN Channel Number: 158
  • Programming Focus: The network broadcasts over 300 live games annually, including college football, NCAA basketball, professional bull riding, and lacrosse.
  • Availability: CBSSN is a 24-hour channel providing news, analysis, and original sports documentaries.

DISH TV Packages That Include CBSSN

To receive the CBS Sports Network on Channel 158, you must subscribe to one of DISH Network’s mid-to-high-tier packages. It is not included in the basic package lineup.

  • America's Top 200: This package is the entry point for CBSSN and includes a vast number of other popular sports channels like ESPN, FOX Sports 1 (FS1), and the NFL Network.
  • America's Top 250: Subscribers to this top-tier package will also receive CBSSN, along with an even broader selection of premium channels.
  • America's Top 120: CBSSN is generally not included in the America's Top 120 package, requiring an upgrade to Top 200 or higher.

Understanding Local CBS Channels and the 2025 Dispute Landscape

While CBSSN is stable on Channel 158, the main CBS broadcast network—where you watch the NFL, SEC football, and the Masters—is a local affiliate, and these are the channels most often impacted by contract disputes.

Local CBS Channel Availability

Your local CBS affiliate's channel number on DISH is variable, depending entirely on your geographic market. These channels are typically found:

  • Channel Range: Between Channel 2 and Channel 70.
  • How to Find It: The best way to confirm your specific channel is to use the DISH Network on-screen guide or the DISH website's local channel lookup tool.

The Latest on CBS-DISH Network Carriage Disputes (2025 Update)

Carriage disputes, where a channel owner (like a local CBS affiliate group, often owned by companies like Sinclair Broadcast Group) and a distributor (DISH Network) fail to agree on retransmission consent fees, are an unfortunate reality of the pay-TV industry. The good news is that the major corporate dispute involving CBS Corp (now part of Paramount Global) and DISH Network was largely resolved in January 2025, ending a significant blackout period for millions of subscribers.

However, smaller, localized disputes continue to be a challenge:

  • Local Blackouts: Even with a national agreement, DISH is frequently involved in disputes with local station owners, which can lead to the temporary loss of local CBS programming.
  • Regulatory Pushback: In 2025, DISH Network has continued to push the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to allow them to import "distant feeds" of local signals during blackouts, a move intended to provide subscribers with an alternative during a dispute. This regulatory battle highlights the ongoing tension over the cost of local TV.
  • Subscriber Impact: These localized blackouts can affect millions of subscribers, impacting their ability to watch key live sports events on the local CBS channel.

Essential Alternatives for Watching CBS Sports Without Cable

When a local CBS channel blackout occurs, or if you simply prefer a more flexible viewing option, several streaming alternatives offer access to both the local CBS feed and the CBS Sports Network.

1. Paramount+ (The Official Streaming Home)

Paramount+, owned by Paramount Global (the parent company of CBS), is the most direct streaming solution for CBS content.

  • Local CBS Live Stream: Subscribers to the Paramount+ "Showtime" plan can typically stream their local CBS broadcast live, which is crucial for watching NFL games, golf tournaments, and other major sports events.
  • CBSSN Content: The platform often includes live streaming of CBS Sports Network content and a vast library of on-demand sports programming and replays.

2. Live TV Streaming Services

Several popular live TV streaming platforms carry both the local CBS affiliate and CBSSN, offering a complete sports package that serves as an excellent backup to DISH Network.

  • DirecTV Stream: Often cited as a top choice for sports fans, DirecTV Stream includes CBSSN in its higher-tier packages.
  • FuboTV: FuboTV is a sports-centric service that typically includes CBSSN, often requiring a specific add-on or higher package tier.
  • Hulu + Live TV: This service also carries both the local CBS channel and CBSSN, depending on the package and local market availability.

3. DISH Anywhere and On-Demand

For current DISH subscribers, the DISH Anywhere app is a powerful tool for watching sports on the go. You can stream live TV, including local channels (if not in a dispute), and the CBS Sports Network, directly to your mobile device or computer.

Summary of Key CBS Sports Entities on DISH

To ensure you never miss a game, keep these key entities and their roles in mind:

  • CBS Sports Network (CBSSN): The 24/7 dedicated sports channel. Channel 158. Included in America's Top 200.
  • Local CBS Affiliate: The primary broadcast channel for major events (NFL, March Madness). Channel 2-70. Subject to local carriage disputes.
  • Paramount Global: The parent company of CBS, controlling the content and streaming rights (Paramount+).
  • DISH Anywhere: The official mobile/streaming app for DISH subscribers to watch live TV, including CBSSN.
  • Retransmission Consent Fees: The core issue in nearly all local channel blackouts, including those involving local CBS affiliates.

In conclusion, DISH Network remains a solid platform for CBS Sports, with the dedicated CBSSN channel locked in on Channel 158. The primary risk remains the loss of local CBS channels due to ongoing localized carriage disputes, making a streaming alternative like Paramount+ or a live TV service a wise backup plan for the 2025 sports season.

The Ultimate 2025 Guide: How to Watch CBS Sports on DISH Network (Channel, Packages, & Dispute Updates)
cbs sports on dish network
cbs sports on dish network

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