News Corp. (NWS +0.00%) subsidiary Fox Sports Media Group announced that it is to launch an omnibus sports TV channel. FSMG said the Fox Sports 1 network will launch on Aug. 17 and be available to 90 million homes. It is to feature live events in college basketball and football, NASCAR racing, soccer, and UFC mixed martial arts. The channel promises "around-the-clock coverage" delivered via regular updates and a news ticker.
Next year, Fox Sports 1 will also carry regular and postseason Major League Baseball games.
The long-rumored move pits Fox directly against Disney's venerable family of ESPN sports channels.
