Sunday, May 3, 2026

Comcast CEO: Sports Rights Require ‘Really Hard Calls’

NBCUniversal/Design: Alex Brooks

Comcast spends $20 billion on content between its NBCUniversal and Sky divisions, but the large sum doesn’t make allocating funds easy for the media giant. 

The company wants to “remain one of the premier” sports broadcasters, but making decisions on obtaining sports rights involves “really hard calls,” says Comcast CEO and chairman Brian Roberts.

The CEO said the company picks and chooses its sporting events with care, focusing on the “sustainability of sports.”

  • In 2014, NBCUniversal paid $7.75 billion for rights to the Olympics until 2032.
  • NBC’s streaming service Peacock struck a five-year deal with WWE worth more than $1 billion in January.
  • The broadcaster will pay $1.71 billion per year to keep “Sunday Night Football” — an 80% increase from its current contract.
  • Peacock secured exclusive rights to stream the 2021 Premier Lacrosse League season.
  • The streaming service was nearing a $25 million deal for a Magic Johnson docuseries, per a report last month.
  • Earlier this month, NBCU agreed to a deal with Steph Curry’s Unanimous Media valued in the “high-eight-figure range.”

Roberts said Comcast reaches around 700 million people worldwide. Its revenue jumped 20.4% in Q2.

Comcast reached a deal with ViacomCBS last month to launch SkyShowtime, a European subscription service launching in 2022. Comcast bought Sky for $39 billion in 2018.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign up for
The Memo Newsletter

Get the biggest stories and best analysis on the business of sports delivered to your inbox twice every weekday and twice on weekends.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Kentucky Derby Breaks Viewership Record with 19.6M

The Kentucky Derby is one of the most-watched U.S. sports events.

Elizabeth Williams Explains Why WNBA Players Drew Line on Housing

Williams recently re-signed with the Sky for two years, $1.2 million.
Mar 4, 2023; Indianapolis, IN, USA; The NFL Network logo on the field at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

NFL Network Dark on Comcast in First Carriage Dispute Under ESPN

The dispute does not involve Disney or ESPN’s other channels.

Puma Denies Its Carbon-Plated Shoes Cause Injuries After Lawsuit

The company pushed back on claims that its shoes increased injury risk.

Featured Today

Kaitlin Oaks (left) from Tampa looks at photos with Layla Abutha from Tampa while attending Thurby at Churchill Downs during the week of Kentucky Derby on Thursday, April 30, 2026.

Kentucky Derby Is Courting Gen Z

Churchill Downs is mixing traditional splendor with a youthful atmosphere.
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 25: Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever sits on the baseline and makes photographs during the Indiana Pacers game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on March 25, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
April 22, 2026

Why Athletes Are Moonlighting As Sports Photographers

Athletes are swapping courtside seats for sideline cameras.
Quinnipiac women's varsity rugby
April 21, 2026

The Death of Quinnipiac Women’s Varsity Rugby

The sudden decision at Ilona Maher’s alma mater left players blindsided.
April 17, 2026

The Lawyer Steering the NIL Era

In the new era of college sports, Darren Heitner is everywhere.
John Fanta

NBC Bets on a Bigger Kentucky Derby Weekend

The Oaks moved to primetime, and Fanta will report from the infield.
Brandon Marshall Portfolio Players
April 30, 2026

Brandon Marshall: Why I Walked Away From Sports Talk TV

The ex-NFL wideout previously starred on FS1.
Jan 11, 2026; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel looks on before the game against the Los Angeles Chargers in an AFC Wild Card Round game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images
May 1, 2026

Schedule Release Could Make Mike Vrabel NFL’s Punching Bag

Unfortunately for Vrabel, the Patriots face the Chargers in 2026.
Sponsored

Why Brandon Marshall Bet on Athlete-Owned Media

Brandon Marshall on athlete media, life after football, building I AM ATHLETE.
April 29, 2026

NFL Draft Viewership Falls 12%, Averages 6.6M Over Three Days

Coverage across all networks averaged 6.6 million viewers.
Nov 10, 2019; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; ESPN radio sideline reporter Dianna Russini during the NFL game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Los Angeles Rams at Heinz Field. The Steelers defeated the Rams 17-12. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
exclusive
April 29, 2026

Top Athletic Editor Addresses Russini Saga in All-Hands Meeting

Steven Ginsberg acknowledged the outlet’s communications could have been clearer.
Feb 5, 2026; Santa Clara, CA, USA; New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel talks to media members at the Santa Clara Marriott. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
April 29, 2026

From Sideline to Spotlight: Mike Vrabel Faces Celebrity Frenzy

Vrabel has been a tabloid fixture in recent weeks.
Feb 4, 2026; San Francisco, CA, USA; Ian Rapoport on the NFL Network set at the Super Bowl LX media center at the Moscone Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
exclusive
April 29, 2026

Ian Rapoport, ESPN Finalizing Multiyear Deal

The NFL insider’s contract was set to expire in May.