NBC Sports Plans to Use Native UK Commentators for EPL Coverage, Says Source

It’s believed that NBC Sports will use native UK announcers for its coverage of the Premier League from 2013-2016, a UK source told EPL Talk.

NBC executives were in London last week to present their coverage plans to the Premier League. NBC Chairman Mark Lazarus told Sports Illustrated’s Richard Deitsch that “We will be authentic to the land of the EPL.” It’s understood that the Premier League was very impressed by NBC’s coverage plans.

Questions and concerns had arisen in the soccer community last week after FOX Soccer announced that self-acclaimed soccer novice Gus Johnson would be the lead commentator for several of the most high-profile club soccer games on US television including the Champions League Final, FA Cup Final, Real Madrid against Manchester United and the race for second with Chelsea against Manchester City.

Thankfully, it appears that NBC Sports will be making the correct decision to focus on authenticity in its coverage of the world’s most popular sports league. If the information that EPL Talk’s UK source provided is correct, this is a brilliant decision by NBC Sports Group. The sport is continuing to grow in popularity in the United States, and retaining the authenticity is an important move to win over more viewers.

When it comes to the English Premier League, we fans expect the best of the best. And by having native UK commentators, who are some of the best in the world, this will enhance our viewing experience on top of what we already know about NBC Sports’ coverage plans for the EPL.

If the UK source is correct that NBC Sports will use native UK commentators, do you believe this is a wise decision or mistake? Share your feedback in the comments section below.