Archives for April 2017

Most-Watched First Round on Cable Since 2012; Most-Streamed First Round in History

First Round Featured Record 18 Overtime Games, Side-By-Side Coverage, and Five Canadian Teams; No Game 7s For First Time Since 2001

Buffalo Leads All Local Markets in First Round

STAMFORD, Conn. – April 25, 2017 – On the strength of a record 18 overtime games, dazzling performances by young stars like Auston Matthews and Connor McDavid, and side-by-side coverage for the first time in local markets, NBC Sports Group’s Total Audience Delivery (TAD) of the first round of the 2017 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs averaged 742,000 viewers, up 4% vs 2016 (713,000 viewers).

This was the most-watched first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs since 2014 (753,000 viewers), despite no Game 7 matchups for the first time since the 2001 postseason. In addition, the 2017 first round featured five Canadian teams – compared to no Canadian teams last season.

TAD for the first round across cable and digital – NBCSN, USA Network, CNBC, NBC Sports.com, and the NBC Sports app – averaged 574,000 viewers, up 10% vs. 2016 (520,000 viewers), and the highest for the cable schedule since 2012 (632,000 viewers). TAD measures consumption across multiple platforms, combining the average minute audience for television and digital.

Additional first-round ratings highlights:

• Sunday’s Game 6 of the Toronto-Washington series on NBCSN (7-10:15 p.m. ET) produced a TAD of 1.162 million viewers to rank as NBCSN’s most-watched first-round game ever featuring a Canadian team;

• The Toronto-Washington six-game series produced a TAD of 769,000 viewers to rank as the most-watched first-round series on cable featuring a Canadian team since 2011 (Chicago-Vancouver; 787,000 viewers; seven games);

• Saturday’s Game 6 of the Canadiens-Rangers series on NBC was the most-watched game of the first round with a Total Audience Delivery of 2.079 million viewers. Viewership peaked from 10:30-10:45 p.m. ET with 2.445 million average viewers;

• The first round set streaming records for NBCSports.com and the NBC Sports app. Across 39 games, the first round delivered records for uniques (62K) and minutes (3.4 million) per game, up 17% and 16% vs. 2016, respectively, and totaled 798K uniques and 134.2M live minutes, both up 19% compared to the first round in 2016 (668K; 112.5M).

Following are the Top 10 local markets across all networks from the first round:

First-round viewership was bolstered by side-by-side coverage in local markets. For the first time since NBC Sports Group acquired NHL rights prior to the 2005-06 season, coverage of Stanley Cup Playoffs first-round games on NBCUniversal cable networks (NBCSN, CNBC, USA Network) as well as NHL Network, aired side-by-side in local markets alongside regional sports network telecasts.

In addition, NBCSports.com and the NBC Sports app provided streaming coverage of every first-round game on NBC, NBCSN, CNBC, and USA Network. Prior to this season, NBC Sports’ national first-round cable telecasts were blacked out in all local U.S. markets (local television and streaming blackouts still applied in Boston and Pittsburgh in the first round).

–NBC SPORTS GROUP–

Below are comments from NASCAR on NBC’s Steve Letarte, Kyle Petty, Dale Jarrett & Jeff Burton on Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s announcement to retire following the conclusion of the 2017 NASCAR season. For further insight and analysis about Earnhardt Jr.’s announcement, tune in to NASCAR America tonight at 6 p.m. ET on NBCSN.

Steve Letarte, NASCAR on NBC analyst and Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s former crew chief – “I don’t think Dale Jr. can be measured as just a race car driver, because he is so much more than that. Dale is all encompassing. He carried the popularity of a sport on his shoulders. Anyone who tries to separate what he does behind the wheel to what he does in the sport, doesn’t know Dale Jr.”

Kyle Petty, NASCAR on NBC analyst – “With Chase Elliott, Daniel Suárez and Erik Jones, we are witnessing a changing of the guard. It is cyclical in sports. Bill France Sr. started this sport, and it survived when he was gone. NASCAR survived when we lost Dale Earnhardt Sr., and it survived when “The King” left. Dale Earnhardt Jr. has meant and will continue to mean so much to this sport and so many people. He will be missed, but this sport is bigger than any one person.”

Dale Jarrett, NASCAR on NBC analyst and Hall of Fame driver – “This is a big loss for the sport. Dale Jr. has had what I believe will be a Hall of Fame career. I admire the way he has always handled everything, and at times carried the sport on his back.”

Jeff Burton, NASCAR on NBC analyst – “Dale has been a positive influence on this sport for years. His passion for NASCAR is clear, and I am sure he will continue to be a force within the sport for years to come. The retirement decision is a tough one, but I know Dale has thought it through. I’m happy he can make the choice when he feels it is the right time.”

–NASCAR ON NBC–

League-Leaders Chelsea v. Southampton Today at 2:45 p.m. ET on NBCSN

Crystal Palace v. Second-Place Tottenham Tomorrow at 3 p.m. ET on NBCSN

New Episode of THE MEN IN BLAZERS SHOW Thursday at 5:30 p.m. ET 

STAMFORD, Conn. – April 25, 2017 – NBC Sports Group’s presentation of five Premier League match days in a six-day span continues with mid-week action, highlighted by fourth-place Manchester City hosting fifth-place Manchester United in the Manchester Derby this Thursday, April 27 at 3 p.m. ET on NBCSN and Universo. The match marks the 174^th meeting between the clubs, and is a crucial fixture in the race to qualify for next season’s Champions League. City, who won the first Premier League meeting this season between the clubs, sit one point above United, who are coming off a 2-0 win at Burnley.

NBC Sports Group’s lead Premier League play-by-play announcer Arlo White calls the match, joined by analysts Lee Dixon and Graeme Le Saux. Rebecca Lowe hosts Goal Zone and Premier League Live, joined by a combination of former Jamaica National Team player Robbie Earle, former Major League Soccer and U.S. Men’s National Team midfielder Kyle Martino, and former Premier League footballer Robbie Mustoe.

Mid-week action begins today, Tuesday, April 25, as league-leaders Chelsea host Southampton at 2:45 p.m. ET on NBCSN and Universo. White calls the match, joined by Dixon at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea, who advanced to the FA Cup Final over the weekend, sit just four points above second-place Tottenham with six games remaining. Spurs have won their last seven Premier League matches, and visit Crystal Palace tomorrow, Wednesday, April 26, at 3 p.m. ET on NBCSN.

Today at 5:30 p.m. ET, NBCSN presents a new episode of It’s Called Football. Hosted by the YouTube sensation F2 Freestylers, the series presents viewers with the jaw-dropping trick shots the F2 Freestylers have become known for, as well as an in-depth look at what makes the Premier League unlike any other league in the world. Click here for more information.

Thursday following the Manchester Derby, NBCSN presents a new live episode of THE MEN IN BLAZERS SHOW hosted by Roger Bennett and Michael Davies at 5:30 p.m. ET. Film director, producer, writer and actor Eli Roth will guest on this week’s episode.

All matches not on NBCSN in multiple television windows will be available on Premier League Extra Time, a bonus television package available to MVPDs at no extra cost for customers who receive NBCSN.

All Premier League games will be streamed on NBCSports.com and the NBC Sports app, NBC Sports Group’s live streaming product for desktops, mobile devices, tablets, and connected TVs. The NBC Sports app will stream all matches via “TV Everywhere,” giving consumers additional value to their subscription service, and making high quality content available to MVPD customers both in and out of the home and on multiple platforms. Powered by Playmaker Media, the NBC Sports app is available on Apple iOS, Android and select Samsung devices, as well as on Amazon Fire, Apple TV, Chromecast, and Roku.

NBC Sports Digital presents four Premier League Productions programs each week throughout the season, available on NBCSports.com and the NBC Sports app, as well as Premier League Shorts, a short-form, digital-exclusive video series. Click here for more information.

Below is the schedule for NBCUniversal’s mid-week soccer coverage (all times ET):

–NBC SPORTS GROUP–

Tirico’s First-Ever Triple Crown Assignment Comes on NBC’s “Run for the Roses” Coverage on Saturday, May 6

Hammond to Host Kentucky Derby Special Next Week & Continues NBC Olympics Role at 2018 PyeongChang Games

STAMFORD, Conn. – April 25, 2017 – Mike Tirico, who was recently named NBC’s primetime Olympics host, will be taking the Triple Crown hosting reins from Tom Hammond, an award-winning member of NBC Sports’ horse racing team for more than three decades.

“NBC Sports is the home to the world’s premier horse racing, due in no small part to Tom’s passion, knowledge and relationships in the sport,” said Mark Lazarus, Chairman NBC Broadcasting and Sports. “We are pleased that Tom is going to remain part of the NBC family and that we have someone of Mike’s caliber to succeed him on horse racing.”

Next week on NBCSN, Hammond will host the special 30-minute My Kentucky Home, in which he takes a look at how Kentucky came to be the home of thoroughbred racing. Hammond, who has covered a dozen Olympics, will return to NBC Olympics’ coverage at the 2018 PyeongChang Games next February.

Tirico, making his first-ever trip to a Triple Crown event, joins NBC Sports Group’s Triple Crown coverage beginning with the 2017 Kentucky Derby on May 6 on NBC, and will work the Preakness Stakes on May 20, and the Belmont Stakes on June 10.

“Tom’s professionalism, presence and passion for the sport enhanced Triple Crown viewing for so many of us over the years,” said Tirico, who made his TV horse racing debut alongside Hammond last fall on NBC’s coverage of the Breeders’ Cup World Championships. “He perfectly set the tone and in the process set the standard for this role.  I’m honored to follow a legend and cherish the chance to work with our great team.”

Hammond’s TV horse racing debut came in 1984, when he was hired on what was intended to be a one-time-only basis as a reporter for NBC’s telecast of the inaugural Breeders’ Cup World Championships. Ever since that Eclipse Award-winning telecast, Hammond has been integral on a wide-range of NBC Sports events, highlighted by horse racing – covering his home-state Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes 16 times apiece, and 11 Belmont Stakes, including American Pharoah’s historic Triple Crown victory in 2015. A member of the Kentucky Athletic Hall of Fame and honored as a distinguished alumnus of the University of Kentucky, where he earned bachelor’s degree in animal science and studied equine genetics as a graduate student, Hammond has also anchored NBC’s Breeders’ Cup coverage over the past 30+ years.

“I had a great time putting together My Kentucky Home, and I hope viewers will understand why I think this is a special place,” Hammond said. “As I embark on a less demanding schedule at NBC, I can rest assured that the coverage of Thoroughbred racing is in good hands. That sport is very close to my heart, so I am pleased that Mike, a highly accomplished professional, will assume the role as leader of the superb NBC horse racing team. I wish them all the best going forward.”

Hammond’s 30-minute My Kentucky Home special will debut on NBCSN next Wednesday, May 3 at 12:30 a.m. ET following Tuesday night’s St. Louis-Nashville Stanley Cup Playoff game. The special will encore on NBCSN on Wednesday, May 3 at 5 p.m. ET, Thursday, May 4 at 3:30 p.m. ET and on Friday May 5 within NBCSN’s live Kentucky Oaks coverage and following that evening’s Stanley Cup Playoff game.

NBC SPORTS GROUP AND HORSE RACING: NBC Sports Group is the exclusive home to the most important and prestigious events in horse racing, including the Triple Crown and the Breeders’ Cup. Also in 2017, NBC Sports Group televised the world’s richest horse race (the $12 million Pegasus World Cup Invitational) and the $10 million Dubai World Cup, and in June will present the Epsom Derby and the Royal Ascot meet. NBC has been the exclusive home of the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes since 2001, and the Belmont Stakes since 2011, when NBC Sports Group reassembled the Triple Crown.                                                                                      

–NBC SPORTS GROUP–

NBC Sports Group’s Exclusivity Begins in Second Round; Coverage Begins Wednesday with Western Conference Doubleheader on NBCSN

Wednesday on NBCSN – (WC2) Predators-(3) Blues at 8 p.m. ET, Followed by (2) Oilers-(1) Ducks at 10:30 p.m. ET

Thursday – (WC1) Rangers-(2) Senators at 7 p.m. ET on CNBC, (2) Penguins-(1) Capitals at 7:30 p.m. ET on NBCSN

Game Commentary Pairings Announced Through Game 4

STAMFORD, Conn. – April 24, 2017 – Coming off a Stanley Cup Playoff first round that saw a record 18 games require overtime, NBC Sports Group has announced its second-round telecast schedule and game commentary pairings through Game 4.

NBC Sports Group begins its exclusive coverage of the second round of the 2017 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs on Wednesday night with a Western Conference doubleheader on NBCSN, beginning at 8 p.m. ET, when Vladimir Tarasenko and the (3) St. Louis Blues host P.K. Subban and the (WC2) Nashville Predators. Coverage shifts to the west coast at 10:30 p.m. ET, when Connor McDavid and the (2) Edmonton Oilers visit Ryan Getzlaf and the (1) Anaheim Ducks.

Game 1 matchups in the East begin on Thursday night, starting at 7 p.m. ET on CNBC, when Erik Karlsson and the (2) Ottawa Senators host Henrik Lundqvist and the (WC1) New York Rangers. NBCSN will televise Game 1 of the highly-anticipated clash between Sidney Crosby’s (2) Pittsburgh Penguins and Alex Ovechkin’s (1) Washington Capitals at 7:30 p.m. ET, as the rivals meet in the playoffs for the second consecutive year.

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“NHL Playoff Pass” on NBC Sports Group Press Box provides a quick daily overview of Stanley Cup Playoff coverage, plus information and highlights. The Pass will be published weekdays to preview that evening’s games. Friday editions will include weekend information.

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NBCSports.com and the NBC Sports app – NBC Sports Group’s live streaming product for desktops, mobile devices, tablets, and Connected TVs – will live stream all games airing on NBC, NBCSN, USA Network and CNBC, all via “TV Everywhere.”

For more information on NBC Sports Group’s overall NHL Playoff coverage, please click here.

“WHERE IN THE WORLD IS PIERRE MCGUIRE?” EMMY-AWARD WINNING ‘INSIDE-THE-GLASS’ ANALYST CONTINUES MARATHON SCHEDULE

NBC Sports Group’s Emmy-Award winning ‘Inside-the-Glass’ analyst Pierre McGuire continues his marathon Stanley Cup Playoff broadcasting schedule into the second round. McGuire called 12 games in 12 days in the first round spanning six of the eight series and eight different cities.

Following an off day today with no scheduled games, and a travel day tomorrow, McGuire will again kick off his schedule with Game 1 of the Predators-Blues series in St. Louis. McGuire is slated to call nine games in nine days to begin the second round, which will mark 21 consecutive days he has called a Stanley Cup Playoff when there has been one on the schedule.

*Note – schedule is subject to change

NBCSPORTS.COM & NBC SPORTS APP

NBCSports.com and the NBC Sports app will stream all Stanley Cup Playoff games to desktops, tablets, and connected TVs. The NBC Sports app will stream coverage via “TV Everywhere,” giving consumers additional value to their subscription service, and making high-quality content available to MVPD customers both in and out of the home and on multiple platforms. Powered by Playmaker Media, the NBC Sports app is available on Apple iOS, Android and select Samsung devices, as well as on Amazon Fire, Apple TV, Chromecast, Roku, Win10, and Xbox.

–NBC SPORTS GROUP–

Qualifiers, Moto 1s and Moto 2s Available Live, On-Demand and Commercial-Free with New “Pro Motocross Pass”

Pass Available for Purchase in the U.S. and 13 International Territories

NBC Sports Gold “Pro Motocross Pass” Available for $49.99

STAMFORD, Conn. – April 24, 2017 – NBC Sports Gold — NBC Sports Digital’s direct-to-consumer live streaming product — is launching a “Pro Motocross Pass,” giving fans access to the entire 2017 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship season. The direct-to-consumer pass, powered by Playmaker Media, will offer fans commercial-free coverage, live and on-demand, online, on mobile, tablets and connected TV devices.

NBC Sports Gold’s “Pro Motocross Pass” features every race in the 2017 season, which begins with the Hangtown Motocross Classic on May 20, including Qualifiers, Moto 1s and Moto 2s. In addition to the 2017 season, fans can access full event replays of the 2016 and 2015 seasons. The “Pro Motocross Pass” can be purchased in advance in the U.S. and 13 international territories for $49.99 starting today by visiting NBCSportsGold.com.

“We’re excited to offer motocross fans an unprecedented amount of content, with the added flexibility to enjoy it on the platform of their choice with NBC Sports Gold,” said Portia Archer, Vice President, Direct-to-Consumer Services, NBC Sports Group.

“This is a great development for the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship, and we’re very pleased to be working with NBC Sports to distribute our quality racing content worldwide,” said Davey Coombs, President of series organizer MX Sports Pro Racing.  “We also appreciate the fact that all of this content is being offered to motocross fans in a package we think is very affordable.”

In the U.S., NBC Sports Gold is available on Apple iOS, Android, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast and online at ProMotocross.com/live and NBCSportsGold.com. Fans in the following 13 international territories can also purchase the “Pro Motocross Pass”:

• Austria
• Canada
• Denmark
• Germany*
• Ireland
• Italy
• Japan
• Luxembourg
• Netherlands
• Sweden
• Switzerland
• Spain*
• United Kingdom

*Pricing in euros

International coverage will be available on Apple iOS and Android devices, and online at ProMotocross.com/live and NBCSportsGold.com. NBC Sports Gold is powered by Playmaker Media, NBC Sports Digital’s technology service which provides end-to-end support for companies in need of best-in-class live streaming and VOD solutions.

NBC SPORTS GOLD “PRO MOTOCROSS PASS” SCHEDULE:

NBC SPORTS GOLD

NBC Sports Gold — NBC Sports Digital’s direct-to-consumer live streaming product — launched in 2016 with a “Cycling Pass,” which included the 2016 Tour de France, Vuelta a España, Monument Classics such as the Paris Roubaix, and more. Earlier this month, NBC Sports Gold expanded its offerings to include a “Track and Field Pass,” which offers access to more than 25 major events, and a “Rugby Pass,” which includes access to every Aviva Premiership Rugby match from Round 19 through the 2016-17 season Final. Click here for more information.

LUCAS OIL PRO MOTOCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP

The Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, features the world’s fastest outdoor motocross racers, racing aboard the best bikes each factory offers, on the roughest, toughest tracks in the world. The 12-rounds series begins at Hangtown in May and ends at Indiana’s Ironman Raceway in August. It includes stops at the premier motocross racing facilities in America, with events in California, Colorado, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Michigan, Massachusetts, Maryland, Minnesota, Washington, New York and Indiana. The pro riders race on Saturday afternoon, with competition divided into two classes: one for 250cc machines, and one for 450cc machines. The Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship is managed by MX Sports Pro Racing, the industry leader in off-road power sports event production. The series is televised on NBC, NBCSN and MAVTV and streamed live on NBC Sports Gold Series partners include Lucas Oil (series title sponsor), Red Bull, GoPro, WPS, Fly Racing, GEICO Motorcycle, MotoSport.com, Garmin, 100%, KTM, FMF, Deltran Battery Tender, Pirelli, Suzuki, Husqvarna, Pivot Works, Vertex, Alpinestars, KMC Wheels, MotionPro, VP Racing Fuels, Acerbis and Racer X.  More information can be found at www.ProMotocross.com.  

–NBC SPORTS GROUP–