Rachel Nichols Will Premiere New Show On SI TV
The veteran broadcaster begins her new weekday sports program on October 19, 2026.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Television
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Beginning October 19, 2026, Rachel Nichols will debut her new weekday program, The Story with Rachel Nichols, on SI TV. The show will air daily at 9 a.m. and will be available to viewers on SI.com and the Sports Illustrated YouTube channel.
Why it matters
The program aims to offer deeper perspective and context on major sports news while creating new opportunities for sponsorships and ad integrations. It represents a strategic move for the brand to expand its presence through its recently launched television network.
The new show will stream at 9 a.m. on weekdays via SI TV, which launched in January 2026. The host brings experience from covering 9 Olympic Games to the production.
The players
Rachel Nichols
She is a veteran sports journalist who serves as a host at Fox Sports and Monumental Sports Network and co-hosts the Open Floor podcast.
Sports Illustrated
This sports media brand is part of Authentic Brands Group, with publishing operations currently overseen by Minute Media.
The details
The program will stream on the SI TV FAST channel and will also be available on platforms including Xumo Play, Amazon Fire TV, The Roku Channel, and DIRECTV. The show is set to feature a mix of live telecasts, original programming, and archive material.
Timeline
1996 marked the launch of the original CNN/SI cable network.
2002 marked the closure of the original CNN/SI cable network.
January 2026 saw the official launch of the current SI TV.
October 19, 2026 is the premiere date for The Story with Rachel Nichols.
Industry Dynamics
The introduction of this program marks a return to television for the brand, following the 1996 launch and 2002 closure of the CNN/SI cable network. It signals a shift in strategy to capture viewership through digital FAST channels and streaming platforms.
Viewers can access the new show via the SI TV FAST channel or on streaming services like Xumo Play, Amazon Fire TV, The Roku Channel, and DIRECTV. The program is also accessible to fans through SI.com and the Sports Illustrated YouTube channel.
The takeaway
This new series indicates a shift toward integrating high-profile broadcasting talent with digital streaming infrastructure. Audiences can follow the daily 9 a.m. updates to gain additional context on major sports news stories.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest developments in the industry on the Television section.
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