NBC adds 45-minute preview feature to NBC Sports Live Extra

NBC Sports has added a 45-minute preview feature to NBC Sports Live Extra, which allows sports fans to watch live streaming without having to log in.

The new feature works on computers, tablets and mobile devices.

According to a NBC Sports spokesperson, the 45-minute preview feature is “designed both as a way for consumers to trial NBC Sports Group’s TV Everywhere content offering, and for users who are subscribers and may not have their login credentials on-hand. The preview allows them time to retrieve their credentials while not missing a moment of live action.”

The preview feature works for all sports programming offered on NBC Sports Live Extra including the EPL, which NBC Sports is the US rights holder of the Premier League through 2022.

With the preview being available for 45 minutes, it allows soccer fans an opportunity to watch the pre-match programming or first half of a game without having to log in (or the second half of action). That’s appealing to cord cutters who may not have had an opportunity to use NBC Sports Live Extra before. It could convince them, slowly but surely, that a subscription to cable or satellite may be worthwhile in order to gain access to Live Extra (an authenticated login is required for full access). Then again, whether they decide to subscribe or not, it also helps boost NBC’s overall Live Extra viewing numbers.