August 10, 2015

NBC Lands Premier League for Another 6 Years: NBC and England's Premier League have agreed to a six-year deal that will keep the league on the network's channels through the 2021-22 season. Terms of the deal haven't been announced, but one analyst predicted it would double the $250 million, three-year amount NBC paid to begin broadcasting the Premiership two years ago. NBC and NBCSN averaged 479,000 viewers on league matches last season, which is close to the 491,000 average viewership it pulls for NHL games. That league's TV deal is $2 billion for 10 years.

posted by rcade to soccer at 07:57 PM - 5 comments

I've been following this league for nine years. I am surprised to have gotten as immersed in it as I have, lacking a childhood or geographic connection to any of the teams. These days I try to catch the best game of the week and the West Ham game. I used to follow Tottenham, but the revolving door of players sent me looking for a team further down the table. The talent of Harry Kane makes me wonder whether I should switch back.

I never thought I'd see a day when a foreign sports league is so widely followed and televised here. I wonder what it does to the MLS to have another soccer league as popular as this one. The MLS TV deal with ESPN and Univision is $90 million a year through 2022.

As much as I love the Premier League, I'd hate to think it might stunt the growth of the MLS.

posted by rcade at 10:24 AM on August 11, 2015

I feel like I want to praise every religious god for this. There is no way I wanted the EPL back on Fox. I find NBCSN's studio show to be more informative than was Fox. "Men in Blazers" and the feature shows add to the enjoyment of watching NBCSN.

BTW, Rebecca Lowe or Warren Barton? Rebecca not only is attractive, she comes across as much more knowledgeable than Barton, who comes across as a bit pompous.

posted by jjzucal at 12:49 PM on August 11, 2015

If only because NBC is making sure all games are available live over the web, this is terrific! But also appreciate Rebecca and the Two Robbies.

posted by billsaysthis at 04:26 PM on August 11, 2015

Apparently games are also shown on some of NBC's other channels (USA, sometimes CNBC). I also didn't realize, until late last season, that DirecTV shows all the non-NBC network matches starting at Ch. 491 (next to the Rugby Channel at 488-490).

posted by jjzucal at 05:42 PM on August 11, 2015

Yes, this season most Saturdays will have a second 7am PST/10am EST game on USA Network.

posted by billsaysthis at 07:37 PM on August 11, 2015

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