On 3 June 1931 television pictures of the English Derby were broadcast briefly over the BBC by the Baird Television Company, and the 1936 Olympic Games from Berlin reached several available television locales; but 1939 was the signal year for televised sports.

17 May — first college baseball game (Princeton vs. Columbia, called by Bill Stern).

1 June — first heavyweight boxing match (Lou Nova vs. Max Baer).

9 August — first tennis match (Eastern Grass Court Championships).

26 August — first Major League Baseball game (doubleheader, Dodgers vs. Reds, called by Red Barber).

30 September — first college football game (Fordham vs. Waynesburg.)