• Loading stock data...
Sunday, February 9, 2025

NBCU to Decide Regional Networks’ Fate

Anthony Quintano/Design: Alex Brooks

To stream or to sell? That’s the question for NBCUniversal and its regional sports networks. 

The media giant is exploring moving the networks to streaming platform Peacock or selling them off entirely.

The speculation comes after parent company Comcast announced plans to get rid of NBC Sports Network earlier this year, moving the content to USA Network and Peacock. Seven cities and/or regions comprise the network.

Comcast is leaning into Peacock, which played a big part in its Q1 2021 revenue of $27.2 billion — a $600 million spike year-over-year. Peacock has 42 million subscribers now, compared to 33 million in Q4 2020.

Sports have certainly helped Peacock, which expects to spend at least $2 billion on content in its first two years. 

About 1.2 million subscribers transitioned from WWE Network following Peacock’s five-year, $1 billion deal with the WWE — just in time to make WrestleMania 37 the most-viewed live event for the fledgling platform.

At the same time, NBCU’s regional sports networks have seen a steep drop in subscribers — from 190.2 million in 2014 to 145.8 million in 2020, according to S&P Global Market Intelligence. 

NBCU’s seven regional channels spend over $4 billion each year on rights, per Octagon Sports and Entertainment Network — and had to give out more than $1 billion in rebates when the pandemic halted several leagues.

NBCU says it’s also considering selling the networks to the teams associated with them.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Michael Johnson’s New Track League Gets Boost With Media Deal

Noah Lyles said he wasn’t committing until a media deal was announced.
Jun 7, 2023; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat forward Udonis Haslem (40) during the fourth quarter against the Denver Nuggets in game three of the 2023 NBA Finals at Kaseya Center.
exclusive

Udonis Haslem Joins ESPN As Full-Time NBA Analyst

He won three NBA championships during his 20 years with the Heat.

Comcast Stock Falls, but Peacock and Sports Rights Provide Hope

Revenue grows at Peacock while TV, internet subscriptions slide again.
U.S. Soccer Federation president Carlos Cordeiro (left) and Sunil Gulati (center) and MLS commissioner Don Garber (right) pose for a photo.

Billionaire Who Chaired NASL Admits He Used Burner Account to Attack MLS,..

Rocco Commisso, the Mediacom founder, compared the MLS commissioner to Harvey Weinstein.

Featured Today

Brady and Mahomes

Chiefs Fatigue Is Real. It’s Nowhere Near Patriots Hate Yet

People who have covered both teams say the difference is stark.
Nov 24, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) celebrates with running back Saquon Barkley (26) after the Eagles defeat the Los Angeles Rams during the first half at SoFi Stadium.
February 7, 2025

How the Eagles Reinvented Championship Roster Construction

Philadelphia is one of the most innovative franchises in the NFL.
February 3, 2025

‘Ultimate Throwback’: The Unimpeachable Cool of Hartford Whalers Gear

Nostalgia and street cred have driven a consistent frenzy for merch.
January 20, 2024; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Kristin Juszczyk, wife of San Francisco 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk (44), before a 2024 NFC divisional round game against the Green Bay Packers at Levi's Stadium.
February 1, 2025

The New WAGs: Sports Wives Building Business Empires

Athletes’ wives and girlfriends are bucking stereotypes and cashing in.

Fox Sports Debuts Controversial Score Bug for Super Bowl LIX

Reviews on social media were mostly negative as sports fans are resistant to change.
February 7, 2025

Jameis Winston Eyes NFL Return, but Keeps Door Open for Potential TV..

Jameis Winston played for the Browns last season.
exclusive
February 8, 2025

5 Big Sound Bites From Radio Row at Super Bowl LIX

Straight shooting from Greg Olsen, Chiefs and 49ers team execs, and others.
Sponsored

How UBS Crafts Impactful Partnerships Across Sports, Arts, and Culture

As UBS continues to expand its impressive array of sports and entertainment partnerships, the company solidifies its position as a leader in wealth management.
February 7, 2025

ESPN Faces Potential Exit from MLB Media Rights As Opt-Out Looms

A 35-year rights relationship now faces a very different media landscape.
Nov 23, 2024; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Mercedes AMG Petronas driver Lewis Hamilton (44) leads Oracle Red Bull Racing driver Max Verstappen (1) during the Las Vegas Grand Prix at Las Vegas Circuit.
February 7, 2025

Netflix Exploring Bid for Formula One Rights in U.S. Starting 2026

ESPN holds the rights to F1 through 2025.
February 7, 2025

How Much Longer Can Fox Sports Keep the Top-Rated Pregame Crew Together?

The three have been at Fox NFL Sunday since 1994.
February 6, 2025

NFL Exec: We’re Reaching More Fans Without Spreading Too Thin

NFL media executive Brian Rolapp is bullish on the evolution of streaming.