CuSbS2 was tested as a negative electrode material for sodium-ion batteries. The material synthesized by ball milling offers a specific charge of 730 mAh g−1, close to the theoretical value (751 mAh g−1), over a few cycles. The reaction mechanism was investigated by means of operando X-ray diffraction, 121Sb Mössbauer spectroscopy, and Cu K-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy. These studies reveal a sodiation mechanism that involves an original conversion reaction in two steps, through the formation of a ternary phase, CuSb(1−x)S(2−y), as well as a NaxS alloy and Sb, followed by an alloying reaction involving the previously formed Sb. The desodiation process ends with the reformation of the ternary phase, CuSb(1−x′)S(2−y′), deficient in Sb and S; this phase is responsible for the good reversibility observed upon cycling. •A ternary phase CuSbS2 is tested as anode material for sodium ion batteries.•Reversible specific charge of 730 mAh g−1 for few cycles without optimization.•Combination of conversion and alloying reactions mechanism.