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KELLY CLARKSON AND PEYTON MANNING JOIN MIKE TIRICO AS HOSTS OF NBCUNIVERSAL’S OPENING CEREMONY COVERAGE FOR OLYMPIC GAMES PARIS 2024

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Savannah Guthrie and Hoda Kotb to Join Coverage of First-of-its-Kind Opening Ceremony Featuring Flotilla of More than 90 Boats Carrying Thousands of Athletes Down Paris’ River Seine

Live Coverage of Opening Ceremony Begins on Friday, July 26, at Noon ET on NBC and Peacock; and 1 pm ET on Telemundo

STAMFORD, Conn. – March 13, 2024 – Emmy Award-winning talk show host and Grammy Award-winning artist Kelly Clarkson and Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback and two-time Super Bowl champion Peyton Manning will join two-time Sports Emmy Award-winner and NBC Olympics primetime host Mike Tirico to host NBCUniversal’s coverage of the Opening Ceremony of the Games of the XXXIII Olympiad in Paris this summer. The announcement was made last night when the trio appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. They will also appear on The Kelly Clarkson Show today.

Plans for the highly anticipated Opening Ceremony in Paris are unlike any other. Rather than a stadium, the organizers are turning one of the world’s most famous waterways, the River Seine, into the world’s biggest theatrical stage. A four-mile-long flotilla of more than 90 boats will carry thousands of athletes from more than 200 countries past hundreds of thousands of spectators seated on the banks of The Seine and finish at the Eiffel Tower.

Joining Kelly, Peyton, and Mike for NBCU’s Opening Ceremony coverage will be TODAY Show hosts Savannah Guthrie and Hoda Kotb. The Olympic veterans will be stationed together on a bridge along the route, reporting on the pageantry and excitement as the athletes sail by. Clarkson, Manning, and Tirico will be positioned at the Trocadero near the ceremony’s finish, with spectacular views of The Seine and Eiffel Tower. Additional Opening Ceremony commentators will be announced soon.

NBC and Peacock will present live coverage of the Opening Ceremony on Friday, July 26, beginning at Noon ET. Telemundo will provide Spanish-language coverage beginning at 1 p.m. ET. Primetime coverage will begin at 7:30 p.m. ET/PT on NBC and Peacock.

“This summer’s Opening Ceremony will be unlike anything we’ve ever seen, and we’re thrilled to have Kelly and Peyton join Mike to describe all the spectacular sights and sounds happening along The Seine leading to the lighting of the cauldron,” said Molly Solomon, Executive Producer & President, NBC Olympics Production. “Savannah and Hoda have one of the most exciting Opening Ceremony positions ever, reporting from a bridge above the river as athletes from around the globe sail by in a parade of nations the world has never seen.”

Tirico will host his fourth Opening Ceremony this summer. He has been honored with the Sports Emmy for Outstanding Sports Personality – Studio Host in each of the last two years, highlighted by his role as primetime host of the Beijing Olympics (2022) and Tokyo Olympics (2021). Tirico also hosted the PyeongChang Opening Ceremony in 2018.

This is the first time Clarkson and Manning are joining NBCU’s Olympic coverage although Manning did star in a promotional spot to kick off NBCUniversal’s fall campaign for Paris 2024. Clarkson, the original American Idol, currently hosts and produces the hourlong The Kelly Clarkson Show, distributed by NBCUniversal Syndication Studios. Since retiring from the NFL, Manning founded Omaha Productions and has won two Sports Emmy Awards for Monday Night Football with Peyton and Eli, an alternative broadcast on ESPN2 that he co-hosts with his brother and former NFL quarterback Eli Manning.

In addition to attending numerous Olympic Games as hosts of TODAY, Guthrie co-hosted NBCU’s Opening Ceremony coverage for the Tokyo Olympic Games in 2021 and Beijing Olympic Winter Games in 2022, while Kotb co-hosted the Opening Ceremony for the Rio Olympic Games in 2016.

In Paris this summer, the world’s greatest athletes will compete against the backdrop of one of the most beautiful cities in the world where the modern Olympic Games were conceived 130 years ago. This will be the third time Paris has hosted the Olympics (1900 and 1924), tying London for the most as a Summer Games host. Los Angeles (1932, 1984) will tie those two cities when it hosts the first Summer Games in the U.S. in 32 years in 2028.

The organizers of Paris 2024 are reimagining the Games to make them more accessible to the public and to showcase their city to the world. In a first, competitions will be held amidst iconic Parisian landmarks – beach volleyball at the Eiffel Tower, equestrian at the Palace of Versailles, and urban sports at Place de la Concorde.

Last May, NBCU announced that the NBC broadcast network and streaming service Peacock will be the company’s primary platforms for its coverage of the Olympic Games Paris 2024, scheduled for July 26-Aug. 11. Click here for more programming information.

NBCU owns the U.S. media rights to the Olympic Games through 2032, which are scheduled for Paris (2024), Milan Cortina (2026), Los Angeles (2028) and Brisbane (2032). The host city for the 2030 Olympic Winter Games has not yet been chosen.

ABOUT NBCUNIVERSAL

NBCUniversal is one of the world’s leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production, and marketing of entertainment, news, sports, and information to a global audience. NBCUniversal owns and operates a valuable portfolio of news and entertainment television networks, a premier motion picture company, significant television production operations, a leading television stations group, world-renowned theme parks, and a premium ad-supported streaming service. NBCUniversal is a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation.

–PARIS OPENING CEREMONY–

BIG TEN MEN’S BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT DOUBLEHEADER FEATURING MARYLAND VS. RUTGERS AND PENN STATE VS. MICHIGAN LIVE EXCLUSIVELY ON PEACOCK TOMORROW, WED., MARCH 13

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B1G College Countdown Begins Tomorrow at 6 p.m. ET on Peacock, Followed by No. 12-Seed Maryland vs. No. 13 Rutgers (6:30 p.m. ET) and No. 11 Penn State vs. No. 14 Michigan (9 p.m. ET)

Noah Eagle (Play-by-Play), Robbie Hummel (Analyst) and Zora Stephenson (Reporter) to Call Both Matchups from the Target Center in Minneapolis

Eligible Students Can Sign-Up to Receive Special Peacock Student Discount Offer for $1.99/Month

STAMFORD, Conn. – March 12, 2024 – The Big Ten’s Men’s Basketball Tournament opens with a first round doubleheader live exclusively on Peacock tomorrow, Wed., March 13, as No. 12-seed Maryland faces No. 13 Rutgers at 6:30 p.m. ET and No. 11 Penn State takes on No. 14 Michigan at 9 p.m. ET.

Tomorrow’s action on Peacock begins with the B1G College Countdown pregame show at 6 p.m. ET, featuring host Ahmed Fareed and analysts Jordan Cornette and Josh Pastner.

Noah Eagle (play-by-play), Robbie Hummel (analyst), and Zora Stephenson (reporter) will call both of tomorrow’s games from the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minn.

Peacock’s exclusive slate of Big Ten men’s and women’s basketball  featured 50+ games streaming live this season.

Tomorrow at 6:30 p.m. ET, Big Ten Men’s Basketball Tournament, First Round: No. 12 Maryland vs. No. 13 Rutgers

Maryland finished the regular season with an 85-69 loss to Penn State on Sunday as guard Jahmir Young, who was third in the Big Ten scoring 20.8 points per game this season, scored 16 points.

Rutgers fell to Ohio State, 73-51, in their regular season finale on Sunday.

Maryland and Rutgers split the regular season series this year, with both teams winning on the road as the Scarlet Knights earned a 56-53 win on Feb. 6 and the Terrapins won, 63-46, on Feb. 25.

Tomorrow at 9 p.m. ET, Big Ten Men’s Basketball Tournament, First Round: No. 11 Penn State vs. No. 14 Michigan.

Penn State finished the regular season with an 85-69 win over Maryland on Sunday behind double-doubles from guard Ace Baldwin Jr.  (17 points, 11 assists) and forward Qudus Wahab (19 points, 15 rebounds).

Michigan enters the Big Ten Tournament looking to rebound from an 85-70 loss to Nebraska in their regular season finale on Sunday as guard Dug McDaniel led the team with 17 points.

In their lone regular season meeting on Jan. 7, the Nittany Lions defeated the Wolverines, 79-73, at home as Baldwin Jr. scored 25 points.

Big Ten Basketball Exclusively on Peacock this Week:

Date Time (ET) Game Commentators
Wed., March 13 6 p.m. B1G College Countdown Ahmed Fareed, Jordan Cornette, Josh Pastner
6:30 p.m. Maryland vs. Rutgers (men’s) Noah Eagle, Robbie Hummel, Zora Stephenson
9 p.m. Penn State vs. Michigan (men’s) Noah Eagle, Robbie Hummel, Zora Stephenson

 

BIG TEN ON PEACOCK

Peacock was the exclusive home of more than 50 Big Ten Men’s and Women’s Basketball games in 2023-24. Click here for more.

Eligible students can sign-up for Peacock’s Student Discount offer, available for $1.99/month. For more information and to sign-up, click here.

Peacock’s expansive programming features live coverage including Big Ten Football and Basketball, Notre Dame Football, Sunday Night Football, Olympic and Paralympic Games, Premier League, NASCAR, NTT IndyCar Series, and much more. Peacock also offers daily sports programming on the NBC Sports channel.

PEACOCK’S REMAINING EXCLUSIVE SCHEDULE FOR THE 2023-24 BIG TEN MEN’S BASKETBALL SEASON:

Date Time (ET) Matchup
Wed., Mar. 13 6:30 p.m. Big Ten Tournament – No. 12 Maryland vs. No. 13 Rutgers
Wed., Mar. 13 9 p.m. Big Ten Tournament – No. 11 Penn State vs. No. 14 Michigan

 

– NBC Sports –

ATLANTIC 10 MEN’S BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP SECOND ROUND AND QUARTERFINALS PRESENTED TOMORROW (WED.) AND THURSDAY LIVE ON USA NETWORK

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Second Round Action Tips Off Tomorrow From Barclays Center in Brooklyn at 11:30 a.m. ET on USA Network with No. 8-Seed George Mason vs. No. 9 Saint Joseph’s

Matt Martucci, Paul Burmeister, Tim McCormick, John Giannini, Kim Adams, and Caroline Pineda to Call A-10 Championship Matchups

Ahmed Fareed, Matt McCall, Josh Pastner, Jordan Cornette, and Julianne Viani-Braen to Anchor Studio Coverage

STAMFORD, Conn. – March 12, 2024 – NBC Sports presents the 2024 Atlantic 10 Men’s Basketball Championship tomorrow (Wednesday) and Thursday, with over 15 hours of exclusive live coverage of the second round and quarterfinals from Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y., on USA Network. Back-to-back days featuring four games tip off on both Wednesday and Thursday from 11:30 a.m.-4 p.m. ET and in primetime from 5-9:30 p.m. ET.

Headlining the tournament field are the Richmond Spiders and Loyola Chicago Ramblers, who shared the Atlantic 10 regular season title after finishing conference play with 15-3 records. Richmond enters the tournament winning six of their last seven games, while Loyola Chicago has won 10 of their last 11, including a victory over then-No. 21 Dayton earlier this month. Dayton (24-6) is currently ranked No. 24 in the Associated Press Top 25 and plays Thursday in primetime at 7:30 p.m. ET on USA Network.

The VCU Rams are the conference’s defending champions and qualified for their 19th NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament appearance last year. As a No. 12 seed, they fell to No. 5 Saint Mary’s, 63-51, in the First Round.

Atlantic 10 Championship action on USA Network will be called by NBC Sports play-by-play commentators Matt Martucci and Paul Burmeister alongside analysts John Giannini and Tim McCormick. Kim Adams and Caroline Pineda will serve as sideline reporters.

Ahmed Fareed will host Atlantic 10 Championship studio coverage both days on USA Network with former Division I basketball head coach Matt McCall and former Division I basketball player Julianne Viani-Braen. Analysts Jordan Cornette and Josh Pastner will join the show on Wednesday.

All eight matchups will also stream live on NBCSports.com and the NBC Sports app.

Below is the 2024 Atlantic 10 Men’s Basketball Championship schedule on USA Network (subject to change, all times ET):

Date Game Commentators Time
Wed., March 13, Second Round No. 8 George Mason vs. No. 9 Saint Joseph’s Matt Martucci, John Giannini, Kim Adams 11:30 a.m.
  No. 5 VCU vs. No. 12 Fordham/No. 13 Davidson Matt Martucci, John Giannini, Kim Adams 2 p.m.
  No. 7 Saint Bonaventure vs. No. 10 La Salle/No. 15 George Washington Paul Burmeister, Tim McCormick, Caroline Pineda 5 p.m.
  No. 6 Duquesne vs. No. 11 Rhode Island/No. 14 Saint Louis Paul Burmeister, Tim McCormick, Caroline Pineda 7:30 p.m.
Thurs., March 14, Quarterfinals No. 1 Richmond vs. No. 8 George Mason/No. 9 Saint Joseph’s Matt Martucci, John Giannini, Kim Adams 11:30 a.m.
  No. 4 Massachusetts vs. No. 5 VCU/No. 12 Fordham/No. 13 Davidson Matt Martucci, John Giannini, Kim Adams 2 p.m.
  No. 2 Loyola Chicago vs. No. 7 St. Bonaventure/No. 10 La Salle/No. 15 George Washington Paul Burmeister, Tim McCormick, Caroline Pineda 5 p.m.
  No. 3 Dayton vs. No. 6 Duquesne/No. 11 Rhode Island/No. 14 Saint Louis Paul Burmeister, Tim McCormick, Caroline Pineda 7:30 p.m.

–NBC SPORTS–

NBC SPORTS SURROUNDS 2024 PLAYERS CHAMPIONSHIP WITH COMPREHENSIVE COVERAGE ACROSS NBC, GOLF CHANNEL AND PEACOCK

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Comprehensive Coverage Begins Tonight at 7 p.m. ET With Golf Central Live From THE PLAYERS Alongside Iconic 17th Hole at TPC Sawgrass

Kevin Kisner Serves as Analyst – Roger Maltbie and Gary Koch Join Thursday-Friday Coverage in Celebration of 50th PLAYERS Anniversary

Kisner and Smylie Kaufman Host “Friday Happy Hour” Coverage from 17th Hole

Peacock Streams All Live Championship and Studio Coverage on NBC and GOLF Channel

STAMFORD, Conn. – March 11, 2024 – NBC Sports will surround the 2024 PLAYERS Championship with comprehensive live championship and studio coverage from The Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach., Fla., across NBC, GOLF Channel and Peacock, beginning tonight with Golf Central Live From THE PLAYERS at 7 p.m. ET on GOLF Channel and Peacock.

Live championship coverage on GOLF Channel and Peacock begins Thursday and Friday at Noon ET, with NBC and Peacock carrying exclusive live weekend coverage beginning both days at 1 p.m. ET. All live championship and studio coverage airing on NBC and GOLF Channel will stream live on Peacock.

Last week, NBC Sports announced that Kevin Kisner will serve as an analyst for this week’s coverage of The PLAYERS alongside Dan Hicks, and Roger Maltbie and Gary Koch will join this week’s broadcast team as part of NBC Sports’ celebration of the 50th anniversary of the championship.

Maltbie will serve as an on-course reporter during Thursday and Friday coverage, while Koch will join Mike Tirico in the broadcast booth during Thursday and Friday coverage. Additionally, Kisner and Smylie Kaufman will team up to call “Friday Happy Hour” coverage from alongside the iconic 17th hole on Friday afternoon on GOLF Channel and Peacock.

“Kevin did a great job in the booth with Dan Hicks earlier this year and his work with Smylie Kaufman on the 16th hole at the WM Phoenix Open made for great TV, so we’re happy we can once again pair Kevin with Dan and have Kevin join Smylie at the 17th hole at TPC Sawgrass on Friday,” said Tommy Roy, NBC Sports’ lead golf producer. “Roger Maltbie and Gary Koch have called some of the most iconic moments at The PLAYERS Championship throughout the past three decades and having them on this week’s broadcasts is a great way for NBC Sports to celebrate the 50th anniversary of The PLAYERS.”

The flagship event of the PGA TOUR, The PLAYERS has been played at TPC Sawgrass’ Stadium Course each year since 1982. Scottie Scheffler, the World No. 1 and last week’s winner at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, looks to become the first player to win The PLAYERS in back-to-back years.

NBC Sports will utilize more than 60 cameras for its coverage of The PLAYERS, including:

    • Drone camera coverage dedicated to the 16th and 17th holes;
    • A FlyCam set between the 9th and 18th holes to run alongside and provide perspectives of tee shots and approach shots;
    • Bunker Cams at the 16th and 17th hole;
    • JitaCam overlooking the 17th tee along with tracing technology, pushing along with tee shots as they are struck towards the island green to provide an enhanced perspective on the flight of the ball;
    • Live drone and fixed-wing airplane coverage from high atop TPC Sawgrass;
    • X-mo and super-slo-mo replays, as well as NBC Sports NBCeeIt zoom technology to make sure fans don’t miss a moment.

 

NBC, GOLF Channel & Peacock Broadcast Team

    • Host/Play by Play: Mike Tirico
    • Play by Play: Dan Hicks
    • Analyst/Holes: Kevin Kisner / Brad Faxon / Curt Byrum / Notah Begay III / Steve Sands / Gary Koch
    • On-Course: John Wood / Smylie Kaufman / Notah Begay III / Roger Maltbie
    • Interview/Reports: Damon Hack

How To Watch – Thursday, March 14 – Sunday, March 17 (all times ET)

    • TV – NBC, GOLF Channel
    • Streaming – Peacock, NBCSports.com, NBC Sports app
Day NBC/Peacock GOLF Channel/Peacock
Thursday   1-7 p.m.
Friday   1-7 p.m.
Saturday 2-7 p.m.  
Sunday 1-6 p.m.  

 

Notable Players This Week

    • Scottie Scheffler
    • Rory McIlroy
    • Jordan Spieth
    • Justin Thomas
    • Max Homa
    • Rickie Fowler
    • Jason Day
    • Min Woo Lee
    • Tony Finau
    • Viktor Hovland

 

Studio coverage on GOLF Channel begins tonight at 7 p.m. ET with Golf Central Live From THE PLAYERS, followed by full-day coverage on Tuesday and Wednesday which begins at 9 a.m. ET. Rich Lerner anchors primetime Live From coverage each evening alongside analysts Brandel Chamblee and Paul McGinley. Live From will also include on-course segments and interviews with Johnson Wagner.

Live From THE PLAYERS Broadcast Team

    • Host: Rich Lerner / Damon Hack / Anna Jackson / Todd Lewis
    • Analyst: Brandel Chamblee / Paul McGinley / Mark Rolfing / Notah Begay III / Brad Faxon / Arron Oberholser / John Wood / Smylie Kaufman / Brad Faxon / Curt Byrum / Johnson Wagner
    • Reporter: Todd Lewis / Rex Hoggard / Ryan Lavner / Steve Burkowski / George Savaricas / Kira K. Dixon / Jay Croucher

 

Day Golf Central Live From THE PLAYERS
Monday 7-9 p.m.
Tuesday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. / 7-9 p.m.
Wednesday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. / 7-9 p.m.
Thursday 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. / 7-9 p.m.
Friday 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. / 7-9 p.m.
Saturday 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. / 7-9 p.m.
Sunday 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. / 6-8 p.m.

 

–NBC SPORTS–

KEVIN KISNER SERVES AS ANALYST, ROGER MALTBIE AND GARY KOCH JOIN NBC SPORTS’ COVERAGE AS PART OF 50TH PLAYERS CHAMPIONSHIP CELEBRATION

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Kisner Serves as Analyst for Weekend Coverage and Teams Up with Smylie Kaufman for “Friday Happy Hour” on Iconic 17th Hole

Roger Maltbie Joins as On-Course Reporter For Thursday-Friday Coverage

Gary Koch to Team Up with Mike Tirico During Thursday-Friday Coverage

STAMFORD, Conn. – March 8, 2024 – NBC Sports has announced that Kevin Kisner, Roger Maltbie and Gary Koch will join NBC Sports’ broadcast team as part of its celebration of the 50th anniversary of The PLAYERS Championship at The Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla, with coverage airing across NBC, GOLF Channel and Peacock March 14-17.

Kisner will serve as an analyst for weekend coverage of The PLAYERS with play-by-play commentator Dan Hicks. Additionally, Kisner and Smylie Kaufman will team up to call “Friday Happy Hour” coverage from alongside the iconic 17th hole on Friday afternoon on GOLF Channel and Peacock.

Maltbie will serve as an on-course reporter during Thursday and Friday coverage, while Koch will join Mike Tirico in the broadcast booth during Thursday and Friday coverage.

“Kevin did a great job in the booth with Dan Hicks earlier this year and his work with Smylie Kaufman on the 16th hole at the WM Phoenix Open made for great TV, so we’re happy we can once again pair Kevin with Dan and have Kevin join Smylie at the 17th hole at TPC Sawgrass next Friday,” said Tommy Roy, NBC Sports’ lead golf producer. “Roger Maltbie and Gary Koch have called some of the most iconic moments at The PLAYERS Championship throughout the past three decades and having them on next week’s broadcasts is a great way for NBC Sports to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the PLAYERS.

NBC Sports will surround the 2024 PLAYERS Championship with comprehensive live championship and studio coverage across NBC, GOLF Channel and Peacock, beginning next Monday, March 11, with Golf Central Live From The PLAYERS at 7 p.m. ET on GOLF Channel and Peacock.

–NBC SPORTS–

CHRIS SIMMS’ 2024 NFL DRAFT QUARTERBACK RANKINGS TOPPED BY USC’S CALEB WILLIAMS; AVAILABLE NOW ON “CHRIS SIMMS UNBUTTONED” PODCAST

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“I feel about as confident as I do with Caleb Williams as I did with C.J. Stroud last year, as I did with Joe Burrow (in 2020), as I did with Patrick Mahomes (in 2017).” – Simms on ranking Williams No. 1

“I think in a lot of other years, Jayden Daniels is clearly the No. 1 pick in the draft.” – Simms on LSU QB Jayden Daniels

“The age thing is overblown. In a lot of ways, it’s a positive. He’s ready right now.” – Simms on Oregon QB Bo Nix

STAMFORD, Conn. – March 7, 2024 – NBC Sports’ Chris Simms discusses this year’s top quarterback prospects heading into the 2024 NFL Draft and unveiled his QB draft rankings on the Chris Simms Unbuttoned podcast, listing USC’s Caleb Williams No. 1. In the episode, Simms ranks and analyzes Williams, LSU’s Jayden Daniels, Oregon’s Bo Nix, Washington’s Michael Penix Jr., Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy, and North Carolina’s Drake Maye.

Simms, a third-round pick of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 2003 NFL Draft who played eight NFL seasons, is joined by NBC Sports’ Ahmed Fareed on the podcast. The two offer in-depth breakdowns, rankings, and NFL comparisons for this year’s top quarterback prospects.

Simms has had recent success in projecting college wide receivers – including naming C.J. Stroud, who was named AP’s Offensive Rookie of the Year following his first season with the Houston Texans, as his top QB prospect in 2023. Additionally, Simms has named Patrick Mahomes as his most exciting prospect in 2017, Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen as his top-two QBs in 2018, and Justin Herbert as his No. 2 QB in 2020.

In the lead up to April’s NFL Draft, Simms will rank and break down every position group, provide a list of sleeper prospects, and issue a final mock draft.

Simms’ Top Five QB prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft:

 

Tier 1: A Class of His Own
1. Caleb Williams, USC
Tier 2: #1 in Other Years
2. Jayden Daniels, LSU
Tier 3: Franchise Starting QB
3. Bo Nix, Oregon
4. Michael Penix Jr., Washington
5. J.J. McCarthy, Michigan
Tier 4: Talented Project
6. Drake Maye, North Carolina

 

The following are highlights from Simms’ QB draft rankings:

No. 1: Caleb Williams, USC

“Caleb Williams is one of the greatest quarterback talents that I’ve ever evaluated coming out of the draft. He has got it all. I feel about as confident as I do with Caleb Williams as I did with C.J. Stroud last year, as I did with Joe Burrow (in 2020), as I did with Patrick Mahomes (in 2017) …This guy is an all-time thrower. Every time someone is open, BOOM, he hits him…The athleticism is phenomenal. The plays off-schedule are incredible. He is the most patient person in the pocket in the draft.”

No. 2: Jayden Daniels, LSU

“Washington Commanders, run to the podium as soon as Caleb Williams goes to Chicago. I think in a lot of other years, Jayden Daniels is clearly the No. 1 pick in the draft…He’s a machine throwing the football. Mechanically flawless…The running is elite. He’s going to come into the NFL and arguably be the second-best running QB right off the bat, because I’m still going to give Justin Fields No. 1 in the prime of his career, but he’s going to challenge Lamar (Jackson) as the No. 2. He runs like an elite NFL wide receiver when he breaks the pocket…He’s got some elite traits and is a big-time starting NFL quarterback.”

No. 3: Bo Nix, Oregon

“Maybe one of the most pleasant surprises of this process. He’s a really awesome athlete. He plays quarterback like an NFL quarterback, his ability to read the field and make quick decisions, throw the appropriate ball. His backyard playmaking ability is elite. Only Caleb Williams is better throwing the ball on the run than him. His body, front shoulder turn, balance on his feet is pretty perfect…Let me just say this too: (Broncos head coach) Sean Payton is going to draft Bo Nix if he’s there at No. 13. I sat there and watched him and thought, ‘Oh my god. Sean Payton is going to love Bo Nix’ … The age thing [24 years old] is overblown. In a lot of ways, it’s a positive. He’s ready right now.”

No. 4: Michael Penix Jr., Washington

“Seeing him in person, seeing the way the ball spins, seeing the way he can push the ball effortlessly down the football field is special….You’re not going to get a lot of outside-the-pocket type of plays with Michael Penix….But you’re going to get a lot of in-the-pocket throws that make you say, ‘Whoo, what a throw.’ That’s special instincts and feel right there.”

No. 5: J.J. McCarthy, Michigan

“It’s not easy to play the way he played. Hand the ball off, hand the ball off, hand the ball off, ‘Hey it’s 3rd-and-13 can you throw a strike in rhythm?’…He has different arm angles. J.J. McCarthy can throw the ball sidearm, he can slide and still hit an in-cut and throw it sidearm between the guard and the tackle and do all that. Totally naturally, smooth, fluid motion with very good power in his arm. He does not get enough credit for how powerful his arm is. Michigan wasn’t a dink-and-dunk offense…He does it effortlessly…the mechanics are really good. He’s got great feet to pop and move and make people miss.”

No. 6: Drake Maye, North Carolina

“I think there’s potential here. That’s where it’s tough. There’s something where I go, ‘Yes.’ But I don’t think it’s anywhere near right around the corner. He needs to sit on the bench a bit, he needs to work on some real mechanical issues that he has. Going through reads, I don’t think he’s in the same class as the guys we’ve talked about. The guy has 70-yard touchdown runs in college football, he’s a good athlete. He just does not see the field as well as these other guys and that’s why he’s number six.”

-NBC SPORTS-

COVERAGE OF 2024 GUINNESS SIX NATIONS CHAMPIONSHIP RUGBY CONTINUES WITH FOURTH ROUND MATCHES LIVE ON PEACOCK THIS SATURDAY AND SUNDAY

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Round 4 of One of the World’s Oldest Rugby Championships Begins this Saturday, March 9, Live at 9:15 a.m. ET on Peacock as Second-Place Scotland Visit Italy, Followed by First-Place Ireland Visiting England at 11:15 a.m. ET

Wales Host France this Sunday at 10 a.m. ET Live on Peacock

All Six Nations Matches Stream Live on Peacock Throughout Tournament; Encore Coverage Presented Across CNBC and NBC

Studio Hosts: Brian Hightower, Alex Corbisiero

Rugby Offerings Available to U.S. Commercial Establishments through Peacock Sports Pass

STAMFORD, Conn. – March 7, 2024 – NBC Sports continues coverage of the 2024 men’s Guinness Six Nations Rugby Championship this weekend with fourth round matches of one of the world’s oldest rugby championships live Saturday and Sunday exclusively on Peacock.

All matches throughout the 2024 Six Nations Championship – which culminates with the final three Round 5 matches on Saturday, March 16 – will be presented live on Peacock. Television coverage throughout the tournament includes same- or next-day encores across NBC and CNBC.

This weekend’s coverage begins Saturday at 9:15 a.m. ET on Peacock as second-place Scotland, who took down England, 30-21, in Round 3, visit Italy, who tied reigning runner-up France, 13-13, in Round 3. Later that day at 11:15 a.m. ET, defending champion Ireland, who currently sit in first place as the only undefeated team and defeated Wales, 31-7, in Round 3, visit England. Rounding out this week’s action is Wales hosting France this Sunday at 10 a.m. ET live on Peacock.

Rugby offerings are available to U.S. commercial establishments through Peacock Sports Pass. Peacock Sports Pass offers commercial establishments in the U.S. access to select events from Peacock’s exclusive live sports content library, including rugby, the Premier League, Big Ten football and basketball, and much more. To subscribe or to find out more information about Peacock Sports Pass, click here. Through the Six Nations Championship, all tournament matches will be available live, commercial-free and on-demand.

COMMENTATORS

    • Studio Hosts – Brian Hightower, former USA Sevens captain, and Alex Corbisiero, who played for England in the Six Nations Championship in 2011 and 2012 (England won the Six Nations title in 2011)

 

HOW TO WATCH – FOURTH ROUND: SATURDAY, MARCH 9-SUNDAY, MARCH 10

Date Match Time (ET) Platform
Sat., March 9 Italy v. Scotland (LIVE) 9:15 a.m. Peacock
England v. Ireland (LIVE) 11:15 a.m. Peacock
Sun., March 10 Italy v. Scotland 6:30 a.m. CNBC*
England v. Ireland 8:30 a.m. CNBC*
Wales v. France (LIVE) 10 a.m. Peacock
Wales v. France Noon CNBC*
*Encore presentation

 

CURRENT 2024 SIX NATIONS TABLE

Pos. Team P W D L PD Points
1 Ireland 3 3 0 0 81 15
2 Scotland 3 2 0 1 6 9
3 England 3 2 0 1 -4 8
4 France 3 1 1 1 -17 6
5 Wales 3 0 0 3 -27 3
6 Italy 3 0 1 2 -39 3

 

CHAMPIONSHIP FACTS

    • Ireland, looking to defend their 2023 Six Nations championship, aim to secure their 16th outright title and sixth of the Six Nations era (beginning in 2000).
    • Wales have 28 outright titles, the second-most all-time (England, 29).
    • France finished second in last year’s tournament after winning the 2022 championship, their first title since 2010.
    • Scotland, who finished in third place last year, are in search of their first title since 1999, when the tournament was still the Five Nations Championship. Since 2000, Scotland has not finished higher than third place.
    • England finished in fourth place last year. England won the 2020 Six Nations championship – their 29th outright title, the most all-time.
      • England’s 2020 title was their first Six Nations championship since 2017.
    • Italy are making their 25th Six Nations tournament appearance and look to make their first top-three finish in the standings, following their eighth consecutive sixth-place finish last year.

 

NBC Sports’ Six Nations coverage is part of an extensive collection of rugby programming across NBC Sports platforms which spans the calendar year, including the HSBC SVNS Series and the 2024 Paris Olympics rugby tournament.

— NBC SPORTS —

PGA TOUR ARNOLD PALMER INVITATIONAL PRESENTED BY MASTERCARD HEADLINES GOLF COVERAGE THIS WEEK ACROSS NBC, GOLF CHANNEL AND PEACOCK

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Arnold Palmer Invitational Coverage Begins Thursday at 2 p.m. ET on GOLF Channel/Peacock – NBC Weekend Coverage Begins at 2:30 p.m. ET

Golf Central Studio Coverage On-Site from Arnold Palmer Invitational

PGA TOUR Puerto Rico Open – Thursday-Sunday on GOLF Channel/Peacock

LPGA Tour Blue Bay LPGA – Coverage Begins Wednesday at 11 p.m. ET on GOLF Channel/Peacock

PGA TOUR Champions Cologuard Classic – Friday-Sunday on GOLF Channel/Peacock

College Golf – Darius Rucker Intercollegiate – Final Round Today at 2:30 p.m. ET on GOLF Channel/Peacock

STAMFORD, Conn. – March 6, 2024 – NBC Sports presents more than 50 hours of live tournament golf coverage this week across NBC, GOLF Channel and Peacock, headlined by the PGA TOUR’s Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard at Bay Hill Club & Lodge.

PGA TOUR: ARNOLD PALMER INVITATIONAL PRESENTED BY MASTERCARD

The Arnold Palmer Invitational marks the fourth Signature Event of the 2024 PGA TOUR season, offering 700 FedExCup points to the winner and boasting a field that includes World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, Jordan Spieth, Justin Thomas, and Rickie Fowler, as well as Austin Eckroat, who won last week’s Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches and qualified via the Aon Next 10. The full field also includes the top 50 players in FedExCup points last season.

Live tournament coverage begins Thursday-Friday at 2 p.m. ET on GOLF Channel and Peacock. Weekend coverage begins at 12:30 p.m. ET on GOLF Channel and Peacock, shifting to NBC at 2:30 p.m. ET.

NBC/GOLF Channel/Peacock Broadcast Team

  • Play by Play: Dan Hicks / Mike Tirico
  • Analyst: Luke Donald / Brad Faxon / Curt Byrum
  • Holes: Curt Byrum / Steve Sands
  • On-Course: John Wood / Smylie Kaufman / Notah Begay III
  • Reporter: Damon Hack

 

How To Watch – Thursday, March 7 – Sunday, March 10 (all times ET)

  • TV – GOLF Channel, NBC
  • Streaming – Peacock, NBCSports.com, NBC Sports app

 

Day GOLF Channel/Peacock NBC/Peacock
Thursday 2-6 p.m.  
Friday 2-6 p.m.  
Saturday 12:30-2:30 p.m. 2:30-6 p.m.
Sunday 12:30-2:30 p.m. 2:30-6 p.m.

 

Notable Players This Week

  • Scottie Scheffler
  • Rory McIlroy
  • Jordan Spieth
  • Justin Thomas
  • Rickie Fowler
  • Max Homa
  • Xander Schauffele
  • Patrick Cantlay
  • Jason Day


PGA TOUR: PUERTO RICO OPEN

The Puerto Rico Open is an Additional Event being played opposite the Arnold Palmer Invitational for the third consecutive year. Notable past champions include Tony Finau and Viktor Hovland.

GOLF Channel and Peacock will present coverage Thursday-Friday beginning at 10 a.m. ET and Saturday-Sunday beginning at 2:30 p.m. ET.

 

GOLF Channel/Peacock Broadcast Team

  • Play by Play: George Savaricas
  • Analyst: Johnson Wagner
  • On-Course: Billy Ray Brown / Tripp Isenhour

 

How To Watch – Thursday, March 7 – Sunday, March 10 (all times ET)

  • TV – GOLF Channel
  • Streaming – Peacock, NBCSports.com, NBC Sports app

 

Day GOLF Channel/Peacock
Thursday 10 a.m. –1 p.m.
Friday 10 a.m. –1 p.m.
Saturday 2:30-5 p.m.
Sunday 2:30-4:30 p.m.

 

Notable Players This Week

  • Joel Dahmen
  • Kevin Kisner
  • Cameron Champ
  • Robert MacIntyre
  • Fred Biondi
  • Nick Watney

 

LPGA TOUR: BLUE BAY LPGA

The LPGA Tour concludes its swing through Asia with the Blue Bay LPGA held at Jian Lake Blue Bay Golf Club in the People’s Republic of China, marking the first time the event is being held since 2018. The first four winners on Tour this season are all major winners (Lydia Ko, Nelly Korda, Patty Tavatanakit and Hannah Green).

Live overnight coverage begins Wednesday at 11 p.m. ET on GOLF Channel and Peacock.

How To Watch – Wednesday, March 6 – Saturday, March 9 (all times ET)

  • TV – GOLF Channel
  • Streaming – Peacock, NBCSports.com, NBC Sports app

 

Day GOLF Channel/Peacock NBCSports.com/NBC Sports App
Wednesday 11 p.m. – 4 a.m.  
Thursday 11 p.m. – 4 a.m.  
Friday 12 a.m. – 4 a.m. 11 p.m. – 12 a.m.
Saturday 11 p.m. – 5 a.m.  

 

Notable Players This Week

  • Lydia Ko
  • Lilia Vu
  • Minjee Lee
  • Celine Boutier
  • Anna Nordqvist
  • Ruoning Yin

 

PGA TOUR CHAMPIONS: COLOGUARD CLASSIC

The Cologuard Classic will be held at La Paloma Country Club in Tuscon, Ariz., featuring a field that includes last year’s Charles Schwab Cup champion Steve Stricker and defending champion David Toms, as well as Ernie Els, David Duval, Stewart Cink, Corey Pavin and Steven Alker. The event will utilize the resort’s Ridge Course for the front nine and the Canyon and Hill courses for the back nine.

How To Watch – Friday, March 8 – Sunday, March 10 (all times ET)

  • TV – GOLF Channel
  • Streaming – Peacock, NBCSports.com, NBC Sports app

 

Day GOLF Channel/Peacock
Friday 7-9 p.m.
Saturday 5-7 p.m.
Sunday 5-8 p.m.

 

Notable Players This Week

  • Steve Stricker
  • David Toms
  • Ernie Els
  • David Duval
  • Stewart Cink
  • Corey Pavin
  • Steven Alker

 

DP WORLD TOUR: JONSSON WORKWEAR OPEN

A co-sponsored event by the Sunshine Tour, the Jonsson Workwear Open will be held at Glendower Golf Club in Evendale, South Africa, which has also served as a host of the South African Open on several occasions.

How To Watch – Thursday, March 7 – Sunday, March 10 (all times ET)

  • TV – GOLF Channel
  • Streaming – Peacock, NBCSports.com, NBC Sports app

 

Day GOLF Channel/Peacock NBCSports.com/NBC Sports App
Thursday 5-10 a.m.  
Friday 6-10 a.m. 5-6 a.m.
Saturday 6-10 a.m. 5:30-6 a.m.
Sunday 7-10:30 a.m. 5:30-7 a.m.

 

Notable Players This Week

  • Dylan Frittelli
  • Rafa Cabrera Bello
  • Jonas Blixt
  • Soren Kjeldsen
  • Joost Luiten

 

DARIUS RUCKER INTERCOLLEGIATE PRESENTED BY PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL AND PXG

NBC Sports presents final round coverage of the Darius Rucker Intercollegiate Presented by Principal Financial and PXG today at 2:30 p.m. ET, returning this year after making its television debut on GOLF Channel two years ago when it became the first all-women’s regular season collegiate golf tournament to be presented live on the network.

The annual event, hosted by multi-platinum country artist Darius Rucker, is held at Long Cove Club in Hilton Head, S.C., and features a 54-hole stroke play competition for individual and team honors. Past individual champions of the tournament include Maria Fassi (2018, Arkansas), Emilia Migliaccio (2020, Wake Forest), and Cheyenne Knight (2016-2017, Alabama).

BROADCAST NOTES

  • Golf Central: Golf Central will provide pre- and post-tournament coverage on GOLF Channel on-site from the Arnold Palmer Invitational this Wednesday-Sunday. This week’s Golf Central coverage features Rich Lerner, Brandel Chamblee, Mark Rolfing, Todd Lewis, and Damon Hack.
  • Golf Today will be presented Wednesday and features George Savaricas, Ryan Lavner, and Lewis

 

Day Golf Central Golf Today
Wednesday 5:30-6:30 p.m. 1-2:30 p.m.
Thursday 1-2 p.m. / 6-7 p.m.  
Friday 1-2 p.m. / 6-7 p.m.  
Saturday 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. / 7-8 p.m.  
Sunday 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. / 8-9 p.m.  

Note: all times ET, post-round coverage begins following conclusion of play

All GOLF Channel coverage also streams on NBCSports.com and the NBC Sports app via authentication, 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.

 

–NBC SPORTS–

 

FIRST-PLACE LIVERPOOL HOST SECOND-PLACE MANCHESTER CITY IN TOP OF THE TABLE MATCH THIS SUNDAY AT 11:45 A.M. ET ON USA NETWORK AND TELEMUNDO

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Liverpool and Manchester City Separated by One Point at Top of the Table; Sunday’s Coverage Features Pitchside Desk at Anfield

Third-Place Arsenal Host Brentford this Saturday at 12:30 p.m. ET on NBC, Peacock and Universo

Goal Rush Whip-Around Show Streams Live on Peacock During Saturday 10 a.m. ET Multi-Match Window

Last Sunday’s Manchester Derby is Second-Largest Streaming Audience Ever for a Premier League Match

STAMFORD, Conn. – March 6, 2024 – Virgil van Dijk and first-place Liverpool host Erling Haaland and second-place Manchester City in a top of the table tilt this Sunday, March 10, at 11:45 a.m. ET on USA Network and Telemundo, headlining this week’s Premier League coverage across NBC Sports’ platforms.

Liverpool (63 points) and Manchester City (62) are separated by one point at the top of the table. The clubs drew, 1-1, in their first matchup earlier this season on Nov. 25.

Manchester City are unbeaten in their past 12 Premier League matches and topped Manchester United, 3-1, on Sunday in the Manchester Derby, erasing an early 1-0 deficit behind two Phil Foden goals and one from Haaland. Liverpool defeated Nottingham Forest, 1-0, on Saturday as Darwin Nunez netted a 99th-minute game-winner.  Jon Champion, Lee Dixon, and Graeme Le Saux will call the match live from Anfield. Sunday’s coverage features a special pitchside desk at Anfield with Champion, Dixon and Le Saux, including post-match interviews with players and managers.

This weekend’s coverage begins Saturday, March 9, with Premier League Mornings at 7 a.m. ET on USA Network, followed by Manchester United hosting Everton at 7:30 a.m. ET on USA Network and Universo. At 10 a.m. ET on Saturday, NBC Sports presents three matches live: Crystal Palace v. Luton Town (USA Network, Universo), Bournemouth v. Sheffield United (Peacock), and Wolverhampton Wanderers v. Fulham (Peacock). The Goal Rush whip-around show will stream live on Peacock Saturday at 10 a.m. ET, providing viewers the most compelling action in real time and on replay so they won’t miss a single goal or key play.

At 12:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, third-place Arsenal, who have 61 points this season, host Brentford on NBC, Peacock and Universo. Peter Drury and Le Saux will have the call from Emirates Stadium.

Sunday’s coverage begins at 8 a.m. ET with Premier League Mornings on USA Network, followed by fourth-place Aston Villa hosting fifth-place Tottenham at 9 a.m. ET (USA Network, Telemundo). At 10 a.m. ET, Peacock exclusively presents two matches live as Brighton & Hove Albion host Nottingham Forest and Burnley visit West Ham. Following Liverpool-Manchester City (11:45 a.m. ET on USA Network and Telemundo) is Goal Zone at 1:45 p.m. ET on USA Network.

This weekend’s coverage concludes on Monday, March 11, as Chelsea host Newcastle at 4 p.m. ET on USA Network and Universo.

Rebecca Lowe hosts Saturday’s and Sunday’s Premier League Mornings, Premier League Live and Goal Zone shows alongside former Premier League player Robbie Mustoe and former Premier League player Stephen Warnock. On Monday, Paul Burmeister hosts coverage alongside Warnock and former Premier League player Danny Higginbotham.

Throughout the 2023-24 season, Premier League coverage will be featured across NBC, Peacock and USA Network. Peacock continues its expansive coverage of the Premier League this season — including exclusive matches, all games airing live on the NBC broadcast network, studio shows, full match replays, and more. USA Network begins its second full season as the cable home of the PL. Telemundo, Universo and Peacock will provide extensive Spanish-language coverage.

SUNDAY’S MANCHESTER DERBY IS SECOND-LARGEST STREAMING AUDIENCE EVER FOR A PREMIER LEAGUE MATCH

Peacock’s exclusive presentation of Sunday’s Manchester Derby, featuring a 3-1 home win by City, delivered an average minute audience of 1.10 million viewers, the second-largest streaming audience ever for a Premier League match.

Following the Arsenal-Liverpool match on Feb. 4 (1.15 million viewers), Sunday’s Manchester Derby is the second Premier League match in the past month to surpass a streaming audience of 1 million viewers on Peacock.

THE 2 ROBBIES PODCAST

Robbie Earle and Robbie Mustoe discuss and dissect the top Premier League storylines after every matchweek on “The 2 Robbies” podcast. On the most recent episode, Tim Howard joined Mustoe to discuss Manchester City’s Derby delight, Liverpool’s controversial win over Nottingham Forest, and more.

Click here to listen to the podcast or click here to watch on YouTube.

STREAMING ON PEACOCK

Peacock’s expansive programming features live coverage of the Premier League, U.S. Women’s and Men’s National Teams soccer matches (in Spanish), Sunday Night Football, Big Ten football and basketball, Olympic and Paralympic Games, MLB Sunday Leadoff, Notre Dame Football, NASCAR, NTT INDYCAR SERIES, and much more.  Peacock also offers daily sports programming on the NBC Sports channel.

To learn more about how to watch Premier League on Peacock and how to sign up visit peacocktv.com/sports/premier-league.

Premier League games on NBC and USA Network will be streamed on NBCSports.com and the NBC Sports app to desktops, mobile, tablets, and connected TVs via authentication, 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. The full HD-quality video stream will come directly from NBC’s broadcasts. NBCSports.com and the NBC Sports app are available on the iTunes App Store, Google Play, Windows Store, Roku Channel Store, Apple TV, Amazon Fire, Samsung Smart TVs, Xbox, and Chromecast.

Following is NBC Sports’ Premier League coverage schedule this weekend (all times ET, subject to change):

Date Time (ET) Match Platform
Sat., March 9 7 a.m. Premier League Mornings USA Network
Sat., March 9 7:30 a.m. Manchester United v. Everton USA Network, Universo
Sat., March 9 9:30 a.m. Premier League Live USA Network, Peacock
Sat., March 9 10 a.m. Crystal Palace v. Luton Town USA Network, Universo
Sat., March 9 10 a.m. Bournemouth v. Sheffield United Peacock
Sat., March 9 10 a.m. Wolverhampton Wanderers v. Fulham Peacock
Sat., March 9 10 a.m. Goal Rush Peacock
Sat., March 9 Noon Premier League Live USA Network, Peacock
Sat., March 9 12:30 p.m. Arsenal v. Brentford NBC, Peacock, Universo
Sat., March 9 2:30 p.m. Goal Zone Peacock
Sun., March 10 8 a.m. Premier League Mornings USA Network
Sun., March 10 9 a.m. Aston Villa v. Tottenham USA Network, Telemundo
Sun., March 10 10 a.m. Brighton & Hove Albion v. Nottingham Forest Peacock
Sun., March 10 10 a.m. West Ham v. Burnley Peacock
Sun., March 10 11 a.m. Premier League Live USA Network
Sun., March 10 11:45 a.m. Liverpool v. Manchester City USA Network, Telemundo
Sun., March 10 1:45 p.m. Goal Zone USA Network
Mon., March 11 3 p.m. Premier League Live USA Network
Mon., March 11 4 p.m. Chelsea v. Newcastle USA Network, Universo
Mon., March 11 6 p.m. Goal Zone USA Network

 

–NBC SPORTS–

NBC SPORTS’ LEIGH DIFFEY, JAMES HINCHCLIFFE AND TOWNSEND BELL PREVIEW 2024 NTT INDYCAR SEASON AHEAD OF SUNDAY’S FIRESTONE GRAND PRIX OF ST. PETERSBURG

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“The track is fast, fun, and challenging – a great first test of driver and machine after a long offseason – and the backdrop is unbeatable.” – James Hinchcliffe on season-opener in St. Pete

“Can anyone in this paddock challenge defending series champion Alex Palou on consistency, temperament and precision?” – Townsend Bell

“I’m fully expecting Kyle Larson to be a contender at the Indy 500.” – Hinchcliffe

“Scott McLaughlin will be a title contender in 2024.” – Leigh Diffey

Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg – Sunday at 12 p.m. ET on NBC, Peacock, and Universo

STAMFORD, Conn. – March 6, 2024 – NBC Sports’ lead INDYCAR broadcast booth of Leigh Diffey (play-by-play), James Hinchcliffe (analyst) and Townsend Bell (analyst) previewed the upcoming 2024 NTT INDYCAR SERIES campaign ahead of the season opener at the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg this Sunday at 12 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock.

Six of the first eight races will air on NBC to begin the season. Peacock is once again the one-stop-shop for INDYCAR fans this season, streaming all races as well as exclusive coverage of nearly all qualifying and practice sessions.

Live coverage of qualifying, practice sessions and race-day warmups from St. Petersburg Friday-Sunday will stream exclusively on Peacock. The INDY NXT by Firestone season opening race will also be presented from St. Petersburg on Sunday at 10 a.m. ET on Peacock. For more information about Peacock’s comprehensive streaming coverage of the 2024 INDYCAR season and how to sign up, click here.

Following are quotes from Diffey, Hinchcliffe and Bell on the upcoming 2024 INDYCAR season:

 

MAJOR STORYLINES HEADING INTO THE 2024 NTT INDYCAR SERIES SEASON

Hinchcliffe: “All of the faces in new places. Only Team Penske has an unchanged lineup, so there’s lots of new combos to keep an eye on. Marcus Ericsson to Andretti Global, David Malukas to Arrow McLaren, and Romain Grosjean to Juncos Hollinger Racing are three of the most interesting ones, for sure. Looking ahead to the Indy 500, I got the pleasure of being teammates with Kurt Busch the last time a Cup driver tried the double, and I was super impressed with how he performed over the month. Kyle Larson is coming in with just as much professionalism but probably even more prep, having done the Phoenix test…everyone is going to be watching how he makes out, and I’m fully expecting him to be a contender at the Indy 500.’

Bell: “Can anyone in this paddock challenge defending series champion Alex Palou on consistency, temperament and precision? I’m always looking at the championship battle between Team Penske and Chip Ganassi Racing – it’s come down to those two teams the last 11 seasons.”

Diffey: “Can anyone stop the Palou plow? He was somewhat unstoppable last year. It doesn’t seem like anything is about to change – or is it?”

 

WHAT MAKES ST. PETE A GREAT PLACE TO OPEN THE SEASON

Hinchcliffe: “St. Pete really is the best place to kick the season off. The track is fast, fun, and challenging – a great first test of driver and machine after a long offseason – and the backdrop is unbeatable. The entire city and surrounding area really get behind this race and it creates such a cool atmosphere for fans and competitors.”

Bell: “The Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg is an unforgiving street circuit with fierce wheel-to-wheel battles, starting with the widest straightaway on the entire schedule funneling to a narrow turns 2 and 3. This has made for historically unpredictable outcomes and is a great challenge for the drivers to begin the season.”

Diffey: “It’s a reprieve from the harsh winter and it feels like such a natural place to start the season. Everyone feels good about being by the water and warmer temperatures, and the vibe of downtown St. Pete is truly fabulous.”

 

CHAMPIONSHIP FAVORITES AND DRIVERS TO WATCH

Hinchcliffe: “You would be crazy to not look at Chip Ganassi Racing with Alex Palou and Scott Dixon. That team has been consistently performing at such a high level for so long. But you can never count out Team Penske, and it will be interesting to see if Andretti Global contracting to a three-car team will help it become a regular contender for race wins.”

Bell: “It’s hard to look past series defending champion Alex Palou, six-time series champion Scott Dixon, reigning Indy 500 champion Josef Newgarden and his Team Penske teammate Scott McLaughlin. Another driver I’m keeping an eye on is Pato O’Ward – can he emerge as a series title contender with Arrow McLaren?”

Diffey: “Scott McLaughlin finished the 2023 season with renewed confidence and vigor. He was third in the standings and is now very comfortable in his INDYCAR – that spells trouble for the competition. He will be a title contender in 2024.”

–NBC SPORTS–