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BREAKING: CBS Sports Set to Air 2017 Reebok CrossFit Games (And Pre-Games Coverage)

Written by Jake Boly, CSCS
Last updated on July 31st, 2023

CBS Sports has just announced they’ll be airing and covering the 2017 Reebok CrossFit Games. Coverage is set to start tomorrow Thursday, July 20th, at 8 P.M. EST, and go through the final day of the Games on Sunday, August 6th at 10 P.M. EST.

The coverage starting tomorrow will highlight individual competitors, teams, and the history of the Games. Additionally, on Monday, October 16th, CBS Sports will air highlights about athletes and one hour specials from the 2017 Reebok CrossFit Games. These highlights and specials will go through the end of 2017, and the network has also said they’ll air a two hour special in December of the CrossFit Invitational.

When the Games officially start, fans can watch two hours of live coverage after each day of competition on CBS Sports at 10 P.M. EST. And live coverage will air on Saturday, August 5th at 1 P.M. EST, which will be aired on CBS Sports as well.

Image courtesy CBS Sports video. 

If you don’t have access to CBS Sports network, or a television, then you’ll be able to watch the Games online at the CrossFit Games website and through Facebook. Earlier this year, CrossFit signed a deal with Facebook to live stream major events, which we got a taste of during Regionals.

Below is the schedule of the four pre-games special CBS Sports will be airing.

“Road to the Fittest: The History”- July 20, 2017, 8 p.m. ET
“Road to the Fittest: Men’s Contenders”- July 20, 2017, 8:30 p.m. ET
“Road to the Fittest: Women’s Contenders”- July 27, 2017, 8 p.m. ET
“Road to the Fittest: The Champions”- July 27, 2017, 8:30 p.m. ET

The partnership with CBS Sports could do big things to further the sport of CrossFit by potentially bringing in more viewership. Last year, and years in the past, CrossFit was aired on ESPN with pre-game and official Games coverage running in a similar manner. Could CBS Sports bring in a larger demographic of viewership to this year’s Games? In addition, the new Facebook Live deal may bring in a larger reach for the sport as well.

From the CBS Sports article, Justin Bergh, General Manager of the CrossFit Games said, “We’re excited that CBS Sports is our new television partner. CrossFit athletes are unquestionably the fittest in the world and the CrossFit Games are their ultimate proving grounds. We’re thrilled that CBS Sports platforms will air our entire season and we look forward to teaming up to showcase the CrossFit community.” 

In addition, Dan Weinberg, Executive Vice President of Programming of CBS Sports went on to say, “We are pleased to partner with CrossFit and bring this exciting and intense competition to the CBS Sports platforms.” Then added, “CrossFit is more than just a sport, it’s a lifestyle with a dedicated worldwide following and we are eager to showcase these physically gifted athletes. Competitive fitness is a high-growth sports genre and adding CrossFit to our programming expands our commitment to the space.”

Feature image screenshot from CBS Sports video. 

About Jake Boly, CSCS

Jake holds a Master's in Sports Science and a Bachelor's in Exercise Science. Jake formerly served as BarBend's Fitness and Training Editor.

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