The bids are in, and after all of the fuss, NBC Sports is retaining the Premier League. According to The Athletic, the deal is worth “well over” $2 billion and keeps NBC Sports as the league’s U.S. affiliate until 2028.
“We are delighted to announce our new US broadcast deal with NBC Sports,” Richard Masters, the Premier League Chief Executive, told The Athletic. “Who have been brilliant partners for the Premier League over the last nine seasons. NBC Sports has significantly strengthened the popularity of the League in the United States in that time through its fantastic coverage and promotion.”
NBC Sports keeps full distribution control of all 380 matches, and that includes Spanish-language broadcasting. The Premier League clearly values its relationship with the network that the two sides established in their initial deal back in 2013.
“NBC Sports’ Premier League Mornings programming is now a real institution among supporters in America,” Masters added. “With fans getting up early to come together and cheer on their favourite club, week in, week out. It’s an exciting time for football in the US and we look forward to continuing to work with NBC Sports to bring our competition to even more fans over the next six years.”
The bidding on this deal was hot and heavy. ESPN, CBS, and NBC Sports all went after the property. The popularity helped drive up the projected $1.5 billion price tag to over $2 billion.
“We are excited to come to this long-term extension with the Premier League,” Pete Bevacqua, NBC Sports Chairman, said. “Our Premier League team, led by Jon Miller, has been incredibly dedicated to growing the Premier League in the United States over the last nine years. This new agreement is also a testament to the hard work of production, marketing, and other areas of our company, as well as the tremendous partnership that has been established with the leadership and club owners of the Premier League.”