NBC Sports Secures Exclusive U.S. Coverage of Premier League Soccer for Six More Years

Strategic Insights -

NBC Sports has signed a new six-year contract to retain its exclusive U.S. broadcasting rights for the Premier League soccer league. The deal, worth around $1 billion annually, marks a significant increase in the annual fee from NBC's current three-year contract. The partnership will make the soccer action available to fans across NBC's channels and live stream digital platform, including Spanish language rights. NBC Sports is optimistic about the league's growth potential, citing the Premier League's 9% increase in viewership last season, with an average of 479,000 viewers per game.

Key Takeaways:

  • NBC Sports has secured a six-year contract to retain its exclusive U.S. broadcasting rights for the Premier League soccer league, worth around $1 billion annually.
  • The deal includes Spanish language rights and allows NBC Sports to make the soccer action available to fans across its channels and live stream digital platform.
  • The Premier League's combined viewership reached around 479,000 viewers per game last season, up 9% from the previous year.
  • NBC Sports is betting big on the growing appetite for the European soccer league, with 360 matches played per year.
  • The company is optimistic about the league's growth potential, citing the recent popularity boost from the Women's World Cup competition.
  • Disney's ESPN declined to bid due to scheduling clashes with weekend college football games.
  • The Premier League also sold U.K. viewing rights for $7.8 billion for three years.
  • NBC Sports Chairman Mark Lazarus stated that the company is excited to continue its partnership with the Premier League and believes there is still headroom for growth.

Statistics:

  • $1 billion: The annual fee for NBC's new six-year contract to retain its exclusive U.S. broadcasting rights for the Premier League soccer league.
  • 9%: The increase in Premier League viewership last season.
  • 479,000: The average combined viewership per game for the Premier League last season.
  • 360: The number of matches played in the Premier League per year.
  • 25.4 million: The record-breaking number of viewers for Fox's broadcast of the U.S.A. victory game in the Women's World Cup final.
  • $7.8 billion: The amount the Premier League sold its U.K. viewing rights for three years.

Sources:

  • NBC (http://www.nbc.com/pr51b8d9)
  • The New York Times (http://www.nytimes.com/)