When will The CW become profitable according to Nexstar?

Nexstar's CFO stated that The CW is expected to achieve profitability sometime in 2026.

How did The CW reduce programming costs?

The network more than halved its programming costs by shifting to live sports and unscripted shows.

What is the current programming focus for The CW?

Sports now constitute 40% of The CW's programming hours, alongside unscripted content.

Home / Business and Economy / CW Network Eyes Profitability by 2026

CW Network Eyes Profitability by 2026

8 Dec, 2025

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Summary

The CW anticipates achieving profitability in 2026.
Programming costs have been more than halved since 2022.
Sports now constitute 40% of the network's programming hours.

The CW network is on track to achieve profitability at some point in 2026, announced Nexstar CFO Lee Ann Gliha. This marks a significant turnaround for the broadcast network, which was acquired by Nexstar in 2022. Executives had initially projected a 2025 break-even point, but the network has steadily improved its financial standing.

Gliha highlighted that programming costs have been reduced by over half, while simultaneously increasing total programming hours by 40%. A major factor in this strategy has been the significant expansion of live sports, which now account for 40% of the network's content. This includes the acquisition of rights for events like LIV Golf and NASCAR.

Nexstar's acquisition also allowed the company to reintegrate the network with its extensive affiliate base, proving to be a profitable venture. The financial gains from this synergy further contribute to the overall positive outlook for The CW's business model.