Nov 13 (Reuters) - Comcast's ( CMCSA ) NBCUniversal will

launch NBC Sports Network, or NBCSN cable channel, on November

17, the company said on Thursday, ahead of its planned spin-off

of most of the cable networks.

Many sports fans still rely on traditional cable TV for the

shared experience at scheduled times, even as the media industry

is grappling with consumers shifting to streaming platforms.

This new launch reinforces NBCUniversal's linear strategy,

as the company aims to tap entrenched pay-TV audiences and

expand sports content distribution.

Comcast ( CMCSA ) is in the process of spinning off its NBCUniversal

cable channels, including USA Network and CNBC, into a new

company called Versant early next year.

The previous iteration of NBCSN was shut down in 2021.

The new launch, first announced last month in a long-term

distribution agreement between NBCUniversal and YouTube TV,

follows negotiations to keep NBC shows like "Sunday Night

Football" on the platform.

NBCSN's 24/7 programming slate will include major leagues

and events such as the National Basketball Association games,

Premier League soccer matches and the Olympic sports.

The company said the new channel will launch first for all

YouTube TV subscribers and soon on Comcast's ( CMCSA ) Xfinity platform.