NBC Sports has reversed its decision to prevent replays of televised Premier League games from being made available on-demand on Peacock. Instead, beginning January 12, Peacock TV will feature on-demand replays of all televised matches in addition to live (and on-demand) games that are exclusive to Peacock.
The U-turn by Peacock’s parent company NBC Universal is a win for soccer fans who voiced their opinions and contacted the broadcaster to share their displeasure with the initial decision.
The first televised Premier League game that will be available on-demand via Peacock Premium will be Burnley versus Manchester United. That match can be watched live via NBCSN beginning at 3:15PM ET.
NBC Universal’s decision to make on-demand replays of televised games available is a positive sign that the broadcaster is listening to its audience, and evolving Peacock TV to be a reliable destination for live sports as well as on-demand content that includes soccer, movies, TV shows and more.
Currently, 175 games per Premier League season are exclusive to Peacock TV. It’s very likely, according to World Soccer Talk, that the final season of the current Premier League/NBC Sports rights deal will see more games move to Peacock during 2021/22. As of December 2020, Peacock has 26 million subscribers. And what is the number one driver to subscriptions and engagement on Peacock? It’s the Premier League, according to Comcast CEO Jeff Shell.
With the popularity of the Premier League on Peacock TV this season, the timing is ideal for NBC Sports to try to renew its deal with the Premier League this year so it can continue to broadcast the Premier League on U.S. television and streaming from the 2022/23 season and beyond.
Peacock is free for Comcast Xfinity and COX customers, and $4.99 per month for everyone else.
