Logo

Launched: May 6, 1995 (as Classic Sports Network) with 6,500 households in Ada, Okla.

Households: Over 65 million homes; the base has grown more than 600 percent since ESPN's acquisition.

Acquisition: On Oct. 9, 1997, ESPN acquired Classic Sports Network (since renamed ESPN Classic), a 24-hour, all-sports network.

Programming Philosophy: devoted to highlighting and celebrating the timeless events, personalities, moments and stories comprising the heritage of sports. As a curator of sports history, ESPN Classic connects the past with the present-day sports landscape, providing sports fans with perspective, context and relevancy.

Programming Lineup: Includes a combination of live and classic sporting events; original entertainment series such as Who’s #1? and Top 5 Reasons You Can’t Blame; and documentary programming, including the Emmy and Peabody Award-winning SportsCentury. Programming relates to MLB, NBA, NFL, NHL, NASCAR, boxing (including the ESPN Big Fights Library), tennis, golf, college football and basketball.

Source: ESPN Networks