• Loading stock data...
Sunday, September 28, 2025

From Golf to EPL, Versant Targets Deals After NBCU Split

After Versant—the spin-off of most of Comcast’s cable networks—completed its first live-sports rights deal, two major aspects of the new media company are primed to define its future.

Padraig Harrington is interviewed by the Golf Channel on the 18th green after the final round of the TimberTech Championship at The Old Course at Broken Sound on Sunday, November 5, 2023, in Boca Raton, FL.
Palm Beach Post

After Versant—the spin-off of most of Comcast’s cable networks—completed its first live-sports rights deal, two major aspects of the new media company are primed to define its future: independence from NBCUniversal and a light streaming strategy.

Earlier this week, the USGA announced a de facto extension of its current media-rights deal with NBC Sports, which will see the U.S. Open and other marquee championships remain on various combinations of NBC, Peacock, USA Network, and Golf Channel through 2032. It’s unique because all those properties currently fall under parent company Comcast, but when the spin-off becomes official (likely by the end of the year), USA Network and Golf Channel will be part of Versant. 

More Flexibility

Versant Sports president Matt Hong sees that separation as an advantage for future rights deals. “I do think we’ll have certain freedoms in flexibility as Versant that we previously didn’t have,” Hong, a former Turner Sports executive, tells Front Office Sports.

Via USA Network and Golf Channel, Versant also has golf rights for the PGA Tour, R&A (Open Championship), LPGA, PGA of America (Ryder Cup), as well as other sports leagues like NASCAR, English Premier League, NWSL, and WNBA. 

Moving forward, if NBC doesn’t want to renew with any of those leagues or pursue a new one, Versant still could. “There could certainly be a situation where it makes more sense for Versant than NBCU, in any rights deal, and we are now able to partner with folks … or with different streaming partners than we might not have been able to in the past, just because we will be separate with companies,” Hong says.

Now Streaming?

One area in which Versant is straying from the wider media norm is its streaming strategy. The company won’t have its own streaming service, but it will try to strike deals to simulcast some content on other platforms, including Peacock, which has previously streamed Golf Channel content.

However, Versant doesn’t plan on simul-streaming 100% of its live sports content, Hong says. 

“We’ve got a very robust set of properties that support our linear networks, and I think those are strong properties and strong networks with a lot of reach,” Hong says. “We’re not blind to how sports fans consume media or how leagues would like their content distributed. So, for now, that means partnering with other streaming platforms, if that’s the priority for a league. But that’s something that could potentially evolve for us down the road.”

NBC is exploring creating a new cable sports network, a source confirmed to FOS after The Wall Street Journal first reported the news last month. While that would appear to be a direct competitor to sports content on Versant networks, it’s likely that the new channel would mostly simulcast content that was set to exclusively stream on Peacock. Hong did not comment on the report.

Stake in the Game

Versant will be its own publicly traded company once the spin-off from Comcast is complete, but its networks could be a target for professional leagues to invest in, like the NFL recently did with ESPN.

“I think sports leagues really see themselves as increasingly in the media business,” Hong says. 

The idea of the PGA Tour acquiring an equity stake in Golf Channel has been casually discussed for years in the golf industry, which Hong didn’t comment on. The PGA Tour’s media-rights deals with NBCU/Versant, CBS, and ESPN will run through 2030, which could be an inflection point for Golf Channel’s future.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

exclusive

Cheryl Reeve’s Suspension Puts Spotlight on WNBA’s Officiating Woes 

The WNBA faces growing scrutiny as coaches question the officiating and lack of consistency.

Trump Visit Adds Political Theater to Ryder Cup’s Opening Day

President Donald Trump attended the Ryder Cup on Friday afternoon.
exclusive

NBC Leaning on Celebrity Star Power for Winter Olympics

NBC hopes Glen Powell can bring viewers to the Winter Olympics.

NBC Warns of YouTube TV Blackout As Big Sporting Events Loom

The Google-owned outlet is in three separate carriage fights.

Featured Today

Kōloa Rum Company Rum Rusher

Panthers Bubbly, Jets Wine, Manning Whiskey: The Sports Booze Boom

A sommelier dives into the sports booze trend—and tries Jets wine.
Nov 17, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers fans wave Terrible Towels against the Baltimore Ravens during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium
September 26, 2025

Steelers’ Irish Roots Are Deeper Than NFL Dublin Game

The Steelers have history and the foundation for a future in Ireland.
FARMINGDALE, NY - SEPTEMBER 23: Rory McIlroy of Team Europe hits out of the rough on the first hole during the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage State Park on Tuesday, September 23, 2025 in Farmingdale, New York.
September 25, 2025

Ryder Cup in New York: Record-Setting Hopes and Fan Concerns

Organizers anticipate record attendance and revenue, but worry remains about fan behavior.
FARMINGDALE, NY - SEPTEMBER 22: Cameron Young of Team USA hits his tee shot on the third hole during the 2025 Ryder Cup Practice Round at Bethpage State Park on Monday, September 22, 2025 in Farmingdale, New York.
September 23, 2025

U.S. Ryder Cup Players Will Be Paid. Not Everyone Is Pleased

Americans are receiving a $200,000 stipend, and not everyone is pleased.
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson (9) pulls down a touchdown reception against Dallas Cowboys cornerback DaRon Bland (26) in the fourth quarter during their football game Sunday, November 13, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis.

Packers-Cowboys Game Is Getting Super Bowl–Like NBC Treatment

The network will bring its pregame show to Dallas.
September 17, 2025

Fever Ratings Fall Without Clark, but Rest of WNBA Game 1s Surge

The Indiana Fever game drew 47% fewer viewers this year.
Sep 18, 2025; College Park, Georgia, USA; Indiana Fever forward Aliyah Boston (7) reacts as the Fever defeat the Atlanta Dream during game three of round one for the 2025 WNBA Playoffs at Gateway Center Arena at College Park.
September 19, 2025

Fever Upset of Dream Brings Ratings Boost to WNBA Semis

The Indiana Fever will face the Las Vegas Aces in the semifinals.
Sponsored

How Soccer Star Jozy Altidore Became a Buffalo Bills Owner

Jozy Altidore discusses building a business legacy off the field.
Sep 14, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith (6) makes a reception defended by Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Trent McDuffie (22) during the fourth quarter of the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
September 16, 2025

Eagles-Chiefs Super Bowl Rematch Sets Early NFL TV Ratings Mark

Several new milestones are established with the big early-season matchup.
exclusive
September 16, 2025

ESPN, Fox One Added 1M Sign-Ups in First 10 Days After Launch

The two high-profile streaming services have strong starts with consumers.
Greg Olsen
September 16, 2025

Greg Olsen on Tom Brady’s Raiders Role: ‘More Power to Him’

This season, the NFL has relaxed the special Brady broadcasting rules.
Jul 27, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Injured Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) looks on from the bench during the first half of a basketball game against the Chicago Sky at United Center.
September 15, 2025

WNBA Ratings Rise 3% in 2025 Despite Clark’s Absence

Caitlin Clark played in just 13 of 44 regular-season games.