NBC Sports Network (NBCSN) is a sports-oriented cable television channel in the United States operated as a division of NBC Sports. It previously launched on July 1, 1995, as the Outdoor Life Network (OLN), which was dedicated to programming primarily involving fishing, hunting, outdoor adventure programs, and outdoor sports. By the turn of the 21st century, OLN became better known for its extensive coverage of the Tour de France, but eventually begin covering more "mainstream" sporting events — resulting in its relaunch as Versus in September 2006.
Comcast, the original owner of Versus, acquired a majority stake in media company NBC Universal in 2011. As a result, Comcast would merge the operations of its cable channels with those of NBC. In particular, it aligned the operation of its sports channels with NBC's sports division, NBC Sports. On January 2, 2012, Versus was re-branded as the NBC Sports Network to reflect these changes.