Majlis Sukan Negara ditubuhkan dibawah Akta Majlis Sukan Negara Malaysia 1971 dan Akta Majlis Sukan Negara Pindaan (1979). Pelancaran secara rasmi telah dilakukan oleh Y.A.B Tun Abdul Razak b. Datuk Hussein, Perdana Menteri Malaysia yang kedua pada 21 Februari 1972.

In the early stages of its establishment, high performance sports programs were implemented under the auspices of the Sports Division, Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (then the Ministry of Youth and Sports). To achieve the goal of establishing the Council, a collective effort directly involving all government and non-government agencies, national sports organizations, state sports councils, institutions of higher learning, voluntary bodies and individuals has been worked so that the quality of national sports can achieve best performance.
After the organization of the Council was restructured in 1981, the Council began to take steps and subsequently develop programs and activities until what can be seen today. The goal of establishing the National Sports Council of Malaysia is in line with the National Sports Policy which is fully responsible towards the promotion, development and excellent achievement in sports at the highest level.