Friday, May 1, 2026

NBC Sets Record for Most-Watched U.S. Premier League Match

  • Arsenal-Manchester United averaged a record 1.92 million English-language viewers.
  • Second most-watched Premier League match for Spanish-speaking TV.
A view of a Manchester United corner flag during a night match.
MUFC

NBC Sports could be cashing in from a post-World Cup bump in U.S. soccer popularity. 

NBC said its telecast of Arsenal-Manchester-United on Sunday was the most-watched Premier League match ever in the U.S. 

  • NBC’s coverage of Arsenal’s 3-2 victory over ManU averaged a record 1.92 million English language viewers across NBC, Peacock, and digital platforms. 
  • The match drew an additional Spanish-language 382,000 viewers on Telemundo. That made it the most-watched Spanish-language match since Manchester City-Liverpool averaged 440,000 viewers in April.
  • Led by Peacock, NBC Sports set a new record for simul-streamed Premier League matches, with an Average Minute Audience (AMA) of 510,000 viewers.
  • This past weekend, NBC and the Premier League staged the eighth annual Premier League Mornings Live Fan Fest in Orlando. It was the second this season, following a previous fan event in Philadelphia in October.
Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe argue during World Cup final

World Cup Final Gives Fox Sports A Viewership Record

Fox averaged a record 17.7 million viewers for its ‘whistle to whistle’…
December 21, 2022

In January, Fox Sports’ telecast of Argentina’s epic victory over France became the most-watched Men’s World Cup Final on American English-language TV.

The thrilling showdown between Argentina’s Lionel Messi and France’s Kylian Mbappe averaged a record 17,726,000 viewers. 

Telemundo and Peacock drew another 9 million Spanish-language TV viewers.

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

Canada Says Barring Iran From FIFA Congress ‘Unintentional’

Gianni Infantino said Thursday the team would play at the World Cup.

World Cup Fans Hit With Tech Issues in Latest Ticket Drop

With 50 days to go, the ticket drop was full of mishaps.

Featured Today

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.

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.
blake griffin
April 14, 2026

Inside Blake Griffin’s Rookie Season at Prime Video

The six-time All-Star was initially hesitant to enter the media space.
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

Schedule Release Could Make Mike Vrabel NFL’s Punching Bag

Unfortunately for Vrabel, the Patriots face the Chargers in 2026.
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.
Mar 4, 2023; Indianapolis, IN, USA; The NFL Network logo on the field at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
May 1, 2026

NFL Network Dark on Comcast in First Carriage Dispute Under ESPN

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