NBC bags English Premier League rights

MUMBAI: US media conglomerate NBCUniversal via the NBC Sports Group has acquired the exclusive US media rights to the English Premier League which takes place in the UK through a multi-year agreement that begins with the 2013-14 season.

As per the agreement, NBCUniversal becomes the exclusive English- and Spanish-language media rights holder to all 380 Premier League matches across all platforms and devices in the United States.

NBC Sports Group chairman Mark Lazarus said, "The Barclays Premier League is the preeminent soccer league in the world, and is on the cusp of exponential popularity growth here in the US. NBCU will provide the broadest programming and promotional commitment that The League has ever experienced here in the United States. The Premier League provides NBCU with best-in-class content for 10 months of the year across our far-reaching broadcast, cable and digital platforms. This is a perfect match."

Premier League CEO Richard Scudamore said, "The NBC Sports Group has an excellent track record in sports broadcasting and will showcase the Barclays Premier League to fans across the USA through its extensive network of channels and high quality production. We are extremely pleased that NBC has chosen to invest in the Premier League and look forward to working with them for many years to come."

Each of the 20 Premier League teams plays 38 matches over a 41-week period from August to May. Although specific programming details will be announced at a later date, NBC, NBC Sports Network, and NBCSports.com will all be utilised to present live Premier League coverage, as well as Telemundo and mun2 for Spanish-language coverage.

Additional NBCUniversal platforms and networks will occasionally be scheduled to air Premier League matches, while NBC Sports Live Extra will provide the live streaming platform across web, tablet and mobile devices.

The NBC Sports Group will also produce shoulder programming around its live-event coverage of the Premier League, including pre- and post-match shows, as well as highlight and weekly wrap-up programs. It is also developing a package to make sure the most avid fans have access to every Premier League match.