Tuesday, May 12, 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

Aug 2, 2024; Nanterre, France; Benjamin Proud (Great Britain), Cameron McEvoy (Australia) and Florent Manaudou (France) in the men’s 50-meter freestyle medal ceremony during the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games at Paris La Défense Arena.

The Enhanced Games Want to Be More Than a Steroid Olympics

“There’s a benefit for anyone to live enhanced.”

Bednarek Still Believes ‘Sky’s the Limit’ for Grand Slam Track

GST filed for bankruptcy after its inaugural season in 2025.

NBC Lands Additional NFL Rights for Critical Late-Season Weekend

The Comcast-owned network expands its presence in the league’s Week 17.

Trump Rips NFL Streaming Costs: ‘Killing the Golden Goose’

U.S. President Donald Trump once again hit out against the NFL.

Featured Today

Matt Palumb

Pro Lacrosse’s Top Ref Is As Famous As the Players

The last celebrity referee is in the Premier Lacrosse League.
May 2, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta United midfielder Saba Lobjanidze (11) reacts to his goal against the CF Montréal in the first half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit
May 7, 2026

How Atlanta Unexpectedly Became the Epicenter of U.S. Soccer

U.S. Soccer is opening a new national HQ in Georgia.
Tottenham Hotspur
May 6, 2026

Tottenham Hotspur Is Facing a Billion-Dollar Disaster

A seemingly improbable drop to England’s second tier is a tangible possibility.
Cricket - Indian Premier League - IPL - Final - Royal Challengers Bengaluru v Punjab Kings - Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, India - June 4, 2025 Royal Challengers Bengaluru's Rajat Patidar lifts the trophy as he celebrates with teammates after winning the Indian Premier League
May 5, 2026

How Private Equity Fell in Love With Indian Cricket

India’s U.S.-style cricket league has become a private-equity playground.
Buffalo Bills running back James Cook runs against Detroit Lions linebacker Jack Campbell (46), left, and safety Brian Branch (32) during the second half at Ford Field in Detroit on Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024.

Amazon to Open ‘TNF’ With Bills-Lions, Highmark Stadium Debut

‘TNF’ saw a 16% increase in viewership in 2025.
May 11, 2026

WNBA Media Deals Now Exceed $3 Billion in Total Value

The WNBA has seven media partners under its new deal. 
Nov 27, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) and Dallas Cowboys guard Tyler Booker (52) celebrate with a turkey after the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at AT&T Stadium.
May 11, 2026

Fox Chases NFL Record With 2026 Thanksgiving Day Game

The broadcast will likely be the most-watched game of the 2026 NFL season.
Sponsored

What Is It Like to Run the Knicks?

Dave Checketts on his time running the Knicks & Jazz, Jordan war stories, and his investment strategy across major sports leagues.
Apr 13, 2017; Detroit, MI, USA; Minnesota Twins hat and glove in the dugout during the game against the Minnesota Twins at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
May 11, 2026

Twins Reporter Leaves The Athletic Over Coverage Reassignment

Rather than staying at The Athletic, Aaron Gleeman is going independent.
Oct 5, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; FOX sideline reporter Erin Andrews interviews Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) after the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
May 11, 2026

Fox Adds NFL Games Amid Streaming Scrutiny in Washington

The network will have an unprecedented tripleheader in Week 10.
Skip Bayless, Stephen A Smith Shae Cornette First Take
opinion
May 8, 2026

Skip Bayless Re-Energizes ‘First Take’ in ESPN Return

Will more appearances by Bayless follow?
Mina Kimes on Front Office News
May 8, 2026

Mina Kimes Wants to Bring Super Bowl Vibe to Spelling Bee

Kimes will host the Scripps National Spelling Bee later this month.