Sports Media News

Keeping Up With All The Industry Press Releases

MARIA TAYLOR JOINS NBC SPORTS, MAKES DEBUT AT TOKYO OLYMPICS

By

STAMFORD, Conn. – July 23, 2021 – Maria Taylor, whose work has already included many of the biggest events in sports, joins NBC Sports beginning with the Tokyo Olympics. She comes to NBC Sports after nearly a decade at ABC/ESPN, where she most recently hosted the NBA Finals earlier this week.

Highlighted by host roles for the Olympics and the NFL – including as a host and contributor for Football Night in America and Super Bowls – Taylor will work across premier NBC Sports properties. In Tokyo, her very first assignment as part of the NBC Sports team, she will join Mike Tirico as host for Prime Plus, and will also serve as a correspondent.

“Maria has excelled in a wide range of roles at marquee events, and will be a powerful addition to our team. We are always looking to improve, and Maria is going to make us better. We are very excited for her to join us right away in Tokyo,” said Pete Bevacqua, Chairman, NBC Sports.

“Incredibly excited to have the opportunity to work with Pete, Molly, Sam, Fred, and the entire NBC Sports family,” Taylor said. “Literally, hosting the Olympics, Football Night in America, and the Super Bowl is what I dreamed of when I started in television – and this would not be possible without standing on the shoulders of all of those who came before me and made this path possible. And I plan to pay it forward.”

A graduate of the University of Georgia, Taylor played basketball and was a three-time All-SEC volleyball player. She was also a member of the USA A2 National Volleyball team. Taylor delivered the commencement address at her alma mater in May, marking the 60-year anniversary of the university’s integration.

ABOUT NBC OLYMPICS

A division of NBC Sports Group, NBC Olympics is responsible for producing, programming and promoting NBCUniversal’s coverage of the Olympic and Paralympic Games. NBC Olympics is renowned for its unsurpassed Olympic heritage, award-winning production, and ability to aggregate the largest audiences in U.S. television history. NBCUniversal owns the U.S. media rights on all platforms to all Olympic Games through 2032. NBC Olympics also produces thousands of hours of Olympic sports programming throughout the year, which is presented on NBC, NBCSN, Olympic Channel: Home of Team USA, Peacock and NBC Sports digital platforms.

–NBC OLYMPICS—

DREW BREES JOINS NBC SPORTS

By

Super Bowl XLIV MVP to Serve as Studio Analyst for Football Night in America and Game Analyst for Notre Dame Football

Brees will also Work on Many of NBC Sports’ Biggest Events, Including the Olympics and Super Bowl LVI

STAMFORD, Conn. – March 15, 2021 – Drew Brees, one of the greatest players in NFL history, is joining NBC Sports as a studio analyst for Football Night in America and as a game analyst for its coverage of Notre Dame Football. Brees will also work on many of NBC Sports’ biggest events, including the Olympics and Super Bowl LVI. The announcement was made earlier this morning by Brees on the TODAY show.

During a 20-year NFL career as quarterback with the New Orleans Saints and San Diego Chargers, Brees amassed an unprecedented collection of records, milestones and accolades, both on and off the field. He led the Saints to victory in Super Bowl XLIV and was named the game’s MVP. He was selected to 13 Pro Bowls, won two Offensive Player of the Year awards, is the NFL’s all-time leader with 80,358 career passing yards, ranks second all-time with 571 career passing touchdowns and shattered the league record with a touchdown pass in 54 consecutive games.

Brees has been just as prolific off the field. He and his wife, Brittany, established the Brees Dream Foundation in 2003, which has contributed more than $45 million to help improve the quality of life for cancer patients and provide care, education and opportunities for children and families in need. In 2006, Brees won the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award, one of the league’s highest honors that recognizes a player for his excellence on and off the field.

“We’re excited to have Drew join our team,” said Pete Bevacqua, Chairman, NBC Sports Group. “We know that Drew will apply the same work ethic and continuously positive attitude to everything he touches at NBC Sports and we know, as his new teammates, he’ll make us better.”

Brees said this morning on TODAY: “I’m part of the (NBC Sports) team now, a new team. I’m excited about that journey. I’m excited to stay very closely connected with the game of football. It’s been such an important part of my life. I can continue to talk about it and show a passion for it.”

Prior to his NFL career, Brees played quarterback at Purdue University. He was a two-time Heisman Trophy finalist, won the Maxwell Award as the nation’s top collegiate player in 2000 and led the Boilermakers to a Big Ten championship and Rose Bowl appearance that same season.

Following are some of Brees’ major NFL records and milestones:

80,358 Career passing yards First all-time
7,142 Career pass completions First all-time
471 Single Season pass completions*, 2016 First all-time
342.3 Single Season passing yards per game**, 2011 First all-time
74.4 Single Season completion percentage*, 2018 First all-time
54 Consecutive games with a touchdown pass First all-time
10,551 Career pass attempts Second all-time
5,476 Single Season passing yards, 2011 Second all-time
571 Career passing touchdowns Second all-time
280.0 Career passing yards per game Second all-time
67.7 Career completion percentage Second all-time

*Also owns second- and third-best

**Tied

 

For more on Drew Brees, click here.

–NBC SPORTS–

NBC SPORTS AND BOOM SPORTS EXTEND PARTNERSHIP FOR FREE-TO-PLAY GAMES

By

Free-To-Play NBC Sports Predictor App Will Expand Game Offerings Over Next Two Years

STAMFORD, Conn. – Jan. 19, 2021 – NBC Sports and Boom Sports today announced a multi-year partnership renewal for Boom Sports to continue as NBC Sports’ free-to-play gaming technology partner.

With the extension, NBC Sports Predictor, the highly-rated free-to-play sports gaming app, will expand its total game offerings over the next two years, and will begin to integrate PointsBet odds into gameplay. PointsBet is the official sports betting partner of NBC Sports.

Kicking off the new slate of games, a new basketball predictor game is set to launch in the first quarter of 2021 with two contests per week running through the post-season.

NBC Sports Predictor launched in December 2018 with Premier League Pick ‘Em as its first game, and has since expanded with NASCAR and Golf Pick ‘Em games and the Sunday Night 7 Football game.

Premier League Pick ‘Em continues with a contest every Matchweek through the end of the season and Golf Pick ‘Em returns in February at the Waste Management Phoenix Open. To participate in this week’s contests, click here.

To date, the NBC Sports Predictor app has more than 1.5 million downloads, more than 20 million contest entries, and has awarded more than $3 million in cash prizes to fans.

“We’re excited to renew this partnership with Boom and continue to build upon the success we’ve had together,” said Nicolina O’Rorke, Senior Vice President, NBC Sports Group Enterprises, Betting & Gaming. “This partnership allows us to grow our gaming and betting portfolios with first-class technology, giving fans the best possible experience.”

“NBC Sports Predictor has changed how viewers interact with live sports,” said Steve Murphy, co-founder and CEO of Boom Sports. “We’re thrilled to help NBC Sports continue to be a leader in sports gaming with our platform and innovative games.”

The NBC Sports Predictor app is available in the App Store and Google Play Store and at NBCSports.com/Predictor.

About NBC Sports Group:

NBC Sports Group serves sports fans 24/7 with premier live events, insightful studio shows, and compelling original programming. The sports media company consists of NBC Sports, NBC Olympics, NBCSN, GOLF Channel, Olympic Channel: Home of Team USA, NBC Sports Regional Networks, NBC Sports Audio Network and NBC Sports Digital, which includes NBCSports.com, NBCOlympics.com, GolfChannel.com, the digital assets of the NBC Sports Regional Networks, Rotoworld, the NBC Sports Talk franchise, multiple apps, and two transactional sports businesses, GolfNow and SportsEngine, and a direct-to-consumer product NBC Sports Gold. NBC Sports Group possesses an unparalleled collection of media rights agreements, partnering with some of the most prestigious sports properties in the world: the International Olympic Committee and United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee, the NFL, NHL, NASCAR, INDYCAR, PGA TOUR, The R&A, PGA of America, USGA, Churchill Downs, Premier League, Tour de France, French Open, and many more.

About Boom Sports

Boom Sports is a leader in the emerging US online gaming industry. Building and operating world-class free-to-play gaming products and real-money casino games for regulated jurisdictions, Boom prides itself on delivering premium, innovative, and accessible games that will entertain and engage millions of fans. Boom leverages its proprietary technology, game stack, and games-as-a-service platform to partners in media, sports, retail and gaming.

Disclaimer: The NBC Sports Predictor Platform and Contests are not in any way affiliated with, or administered or endorsed by Android or Apple. Information on scoring, prizing, and Official Rules can be found here and in the NBC Sports Predictor app.

– NBC SPORTS –

NBC SPORTS AND SIRIUSXM TO LAUNCH NEW 24/7 CHANNEL, DEBUTING TOMORROW, DEC. 3

By

NBC Sports Audio Can be Found on Channel 211 on SiriusXM radios and on the SiriusXM app 

NBC Sports Audio Features Live Weekday Sports Programming Including PFT Live, The Dan Patrick Show, The Rich Eisen Show, Brother From Another & Simms Unbuttoned 

NBC Sports Audio to Present Live Coverage of Select NBC Sports Events 

STAMFORD, Conn. And NEW YORK, NY – Dec. 2, 2020 – NBC Sports and SiriusXM today announced the launch of a new 24/7 audio channel featuring some of the biggest names in sports talk – NBC Sports Audio on SiriusXM – which debuts tomorrow, Dec. 3. 

NBC Sports Audio on SiriusXM will feature live daily weekday sports programming from 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. ET. In addition, the channel will present live weeknight and weekend coverage of some of the biggest events in the NBC Sports portfolio including Triple Crown horse racing, major golf events, and more.

The NBC Sports Audio channel is available exclusively on SiriusXM and is available to subscribers on the SiriusXM radios in their cars (channel 211), on the SiriusXM app and at home with Amazon Alexa, the Google Assistant or however they stream in the house.

“We are excited to partner with SiriusXM to bring the NBC Sports Audio lineup of top sports talk shows and live events to SiriusXM subscribers across the country,” said Nicolina O’Rorke, SVP, NBC Sports Enterprises & General Manager, Sports Betting and Gaming.

“The NBC Sports Audio channel is a terrific addition to the SiriusXM lineup,” said Steve Cohen, SiriusXM’s SVP of Sports Programming. “Fans of NBC Sports’ great programming and talent will get access to an outstanding sports talk lineup every weekday, and our subscribers will get access to live play by play of many top events on the sports calendar.  And as a SiriusXM subscriber you can tune in to this great programming anywhere – whether you are in your car, at home or on the go.”

NBC Sports Audio’s weekday block of live programming includes PFT Live featuring Mike Florio and Chris Simms at 7 a.m. ET, followed by The Dan Patrick Show at 9 a.m. ET, The Rich Eisen Show at Noon ET, Brother From Another, with Michael Holley and Michael Smith, at 3 p.m. ET, and PFT PM at 5 p.m. ET. On Mondays, Safety Blitz, featuring Rodney Harrison and Jac Collinsworth, airs at 6 p.m. ET, with Chris Simms Unbuttoned on at 6 p.m. ET from Tuesday through Friday.

Following is NBC Sports Audio on SiriusXM’s weekday sports programming:

SHOW TIME (ET)
PFT Live 7 a.m. – 9 a.m.
The Dan Patrick Show 9 a.m. – Noon
The Rich Eisen Show Noon – 3 p.m.
Brother From Another 3 p.m. – 5 p.m.
PFT PM 5 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Safety Blitz* 6 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Chris Simms Unbuttoned** 6 p.m. – 7 p.m.
*Monday; **Tuesday-Friday

 

ABOUT NBC SPORTS GROUP

NBC Sports Group serves sports fans 24/7 with premier live events, insightful studio shows, and compelling original programming. The sports media company consists of NBC Sports, NBC Olympics, NBCSN, Golf Channel, Olympic Channel: Home of Team USA, NBC Sports Regional Networks, NBC Sports Audio Network and NBC Sports Digital, which includes NBCSports.com, NBCOlympics.com, GolfChannel.com, the digital assets of the NBC Sports Regional Networks, Rotoworld, the NBC Sports Talk franchise, multiple apps, and two transactional sports businesses, GolfNow and SportsEngine, and two direct-to-consumer products – NBC Sports Gold and GolfPass. NBC Sports Group possesses an unparalleled collection of media rights agreements, partnering with some of the most prestigious sports properties in the world: the International Olympic Committee and United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee, the NFL, NHL, NASCAR, INDYCAR, PGA TOUR, The R&A, PGA of America, USGA, Churchill Downs, Premier League, Tour de France, French Open, and many more.

 

About SiriusXM

Sirius XM Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: SIRI) is the leading audio entertainment company in the U.S., and the premier programmer and platform for subscription and digital advertising-supported audio products. Pandora, a subsidiary of SiriusXM, is the largest ad-supported audio entertainment streaming service in the U.S. SiriusXM and Pandora’s properties reach more than 150 million listeners, the largest addressable audience in the U.S., across all categories of digital audio – music, sports, talk, and podcasts. SiriusXM’s acquisitions of Stitcher and Simplecast, alongside industry-leading ad tech company AdsWizz, make it a leader in podcast hosting, production, distribution, analytics and monetization. SiriusXM, through Sirius XM Canada Holdings, Inc., also offers satellite radio and audio entertainment in Canada. In addition to its audio entertainment businesses, SiriusXM offers connected vehicle services to automakers. For more about SiriusXM, please go to: www.siriusxm.com.

NBC SPORTS PRESENTS LIVE COVERAGE OF XFC43 TOMORROW, NOV. 11 AT 9 P.M. ET ON NBCSN & UNIVERSO

By

Main Event Match Coverage Includes Guilherme Faria vs. Andre Soukhamthath and Jessica Aguilar vs. Danielle Taylor

Commentators: Kenny Rice, Pat Miletich, and Blake Chadwick

NBCSports.com and the NBC Sports App to Live Stream XFC43

STAMFORD, Conn. – Nov. 10, 2020 – NBCSN and Universo will televise XFC43 tomorrow, Wednesday, Nov. 11, at 9 p.m. ET, featuring live action from the final two hours of ‘main event’ fights. The matches on NBCSN and Universo will also stream on NBCSports.com and the NBC Sports app.

NBCSN COMMENTATORS

    • Play-by-play – Kenny Rice
    • Analysts – Pat Miletich & Blake Chadwick

The ring announcer is Cyrus Fees

HOW TO WATCH – WEDNESDAY, NOV. 11

    • TV – NBCSN and Universo at 9 p.m. ET (LIVE)
    • STREAMING – NBCSports.com, NBC Sports app, TelemundoDeportes.com, & Telemundo Deportes app

 

MAIN EVENT INFORMATION

    • Location: Tabernacle, Atlanta, Ga.
    • Guilherme Faria (16-8-0) vs. Andre Soukhamthath (13-8-0)
    • Jessica Aguilar (20-8-0) vs. Danielle Taylor (10-5-0)

 

In September, NBC Sports and Duke Mountain Resources Inc. (OTC: DKMR) announced an agreement to present the Xtreme Fighting Championships live in the United States.

XFC is returning to the Hexagon under a new ownership group led by CEO Steve Smith and President Myron Molotky.  Each fight night will feature bouts from XFC’s three competition series; Young Guns (up-and-coming fighters), Tournament Series (bracket-format fights leading to a weight class champion) and Super Fights (highest-profile and most-established fighters).

BOXING RETURNS TO NBC SPORTS WITH RING CITY USA PARTNERSHIP

By

NBCSN to Present Series of Two-Hour Bout Windows on Thursday Nights, Debuting Nov. 19 at 9 p.m. ET

NBC Sports’ Rich Boxing History Includes First-Ever Live Televised Fight

STAMFORD, Conn. – Oct. 15, 2020 – NBC Sports Group and Ring City USA announced a partnership to televise a series of boxing matches on NBCSN through 2021.

The partnership, which consists of a series of two-hour match slates on Thursday evenings at 9 p.m. ET on NBCSN, debuts on Nov. 19. Additional bout windows this year include Dec. 3 and Dec. 17, with 14 matches to be scheduled throughout 2021.

“We’re excited to partner with Ring City USA to bring boxing back to NBC Sports and add a new chapter to our rich boxing history,” said Gary Quinn, Vice President, Programming & Owned Properties, NBC Sports.

NBC Sports has brought boxing to millions of viewers across the country beginning with the first-ever live televised fight in 1939, when Lou Nova defeated Max Baer at Yankee Stadium. Over the decades to follow, NBC Sports’ coverage of the sport showcased stars including Joe Louis, “Sugar” Ray Robinson, Rocky Marciano, Muhammad Ali, “Sugar” Ray Leonard, Marvin Hagler, and Larry Holmes.

“We are excited to bring boxing back to NBC Sports,” said Frank Samuel, CEO of Ring City USA.  “This partnership will deliver exciting, highly competitive fights and become a day-in, day-out source of top-notch, unbiased content for fight fans around the world.”

Ring City’s first main and co-main events feature a roundup of impressive young talent. The Nov. 19 show is headlined by resilient super featherweight contender O’Shaquie Foster (17-2, 10 KO’s) and the indomitable Miguel Roman (62-13, 47 KO’s) who will clash in a 10-round showdown. In the co-feature, undefeated lightweight prospect William Zepeda (21-0, 19 KO’s) challenges the skilled Roberto Ramirez (23-2-1, 16 KO’s) in a 10-round contest.

The fights will take place at Freddie Roach’s legendary Wild Card Boxing Club in Los Angeles.

ABOUT NBC SPORTS GROUP

NBC Sports Group serves sports fans 24/7 with premier live events, insightful studio shows, and compelling original programming. The sports media company consists of NBC Sports, NBC Olympics, NBCSN, Golf Channel, Olympic Channel: Home of Team USA, NBC Sports Regional Networks, NBC Sports Audio Network and NBC Sports Digital, which includes NBCSports.com, NBCOlympics.com, GolfChannel.com, the digital assets of the NBC Sports Regional Networks, Rotoworld, the NBC Sports Talk franchise, multiple apps, and two transactional sports businesses, GolfNow and SportsEngine, and two direct-to-consumer products – NBC Sports Gold and GolfPass. NBC Sports Group possesses an unparalleled collection of media rights agreements, partnering with some of the most prestigious sports properties in the world: the International Olympic Committee and United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee, the NFL, NHL, NASCAR, INDYCAR, PGA TOUR, The R&A, PGA of America, USGA, Churchill Downs, Premier League, Tour de France, French Open, and many more.

ABOUT RING CITY USA

Ring City is boxing’s newest sports media platform. Working in tandem with a variety of promoters and talent, its new boxing series places an emphasis on competitive matchups that genuinely test the fighters and excite the fight fans. Ring City provides great fights in the ring and compelling shoulder programming outside of the ring. Ring City is the proving ground where up-and-coming talent can earn their stripes and launch themselves into the upper echelon of boxing stardom.

-NBC Sports-

PETE BEVACQUA NAMED CHAIRMAN, NBC SPORTS GROUP

By

STAMFORD, Conn. – September 24, 2020 – Pete Bevacqua has been promoted to Chairman, NBC Sports Group, it was announced today by Mark Lazarus, Chairman NBCUniversal Television and Streaming. Bevacqua becomes the third Chairman in the history of NBC Sports, following Lazarus, who succeeded Dick Ebersol as NBC Sports Chairman in 2011.

“In his time with NBC Sports, Pete has been exceptional working with our league and organizational partners, as well as in collaboration with other NBCUniversal leaders to strengthen our sports production and overall business in a challenging environment,” Lazarus said.

In June, Bevacqua and his team re-acquired complete U.S. media rights for all United States Golf Association championships, including the U.S. Open and U.S. Women’s Open, through 2026.

Last spring, Bevacqua was part of the NBCUniversal team which completed a pair of major agreements. In early March, he led a nine-year extension of the company’s PGA TOUR rights, ensuring NBC Sports Group will continue to present unparalleled live tournament coverage, comprehensive news and high-quality content across broadcast, cable, streaming and digital properties. In late March, the NFL announced that NBCUniversal acquired the rights to a new Sunday night Wild Card playoff game, which will be presented live across NBC, Telemundo, and Peacock in January 2021.

Most recently, NBCUniversal announced a multi-year partnership with PointsBet, making PointsBet the official sports betting partner of NBC Sports.

Bevacqua joined NBCUniversal in September 2018 as President, NBC Sports Group, overseeing programming, marketing, digital, the NBC Sports Regional Networks, and all Golf businesses. In February 2019, Bevacqua assumed oversight of the entire sports division.

Prior to joining NBC Sports Group, Bevacqua served as CEO of the PGA of America from 2012-2018. Previously, Bevacqua served as Global Head of Golf at Creative Artists Agency (CAA Sports); Chief Business Officer for the USGA; and Managing Director of the U.S. Open Championship.

–NBC SPORTS GROUP–

NBC SPORTS REACHES AGREEMENT TO TELEVISE XTREME FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIPS – XFC43, NOV. 11 ON NBCSN

By

Main Event Fights of Relaunch Event to Air Live at 9p.m. ET

September 8, 2020

DESTIN, FLORIDA, (NEWS MEDIA WIRE) – Duke Mountain Resources Inc. (OTC: DKMR) has reached an agreement with NBC Sports to present the Xtreme Fighting Championships (“XFC”) live in the United States.

“We are pleased to partner with XFC and showcase their action-packed bouts and exciting fighters to fans in the United States,” says Gary Quinn, Vice President, Programming & Owned Properties, NBC Sports.

NBCSN will televise XFC43 on Veteran’s Day, November 11, 2020 at 9 p.m. ET, featuring live action from the final two hours of ‘main event’ fights.

XFC is returning to the Hexagon under a new ownership group led by CEO Steve Smith and President Myron Molotky.  Each fight night will feature bouts from XFC’s three competition series; Young Guns (up-and-coming fighters), Tournament Series (bracket-format fights leading to a weight class champion) and Super Fights (highest-profile and most-established fighters).

“NBC Sports is the gold standard in sports television, with an unmatched history presenting  the most prestigious competitions in the world,” says Molotky. “The team at NBC Sports impressed us with their experience, their understanding of our vision, and their commitment to excellence.  We are thrilled to join them as partners and to give our fighters an opportunity to shine in front of this powerful audience.”

XFC43 is slated for November 11 with contingencies in place for a future date should health and travel conditions in the United States require sliding later.  Announcements about international distribution of XFC43 as well as production and talent hires are forthcoming.

About XFC

Duke Mountain Resources Inc. (OTC: DKMR) became a primary investor in the sports entertainment market of mixed martial arts. As the lead investor of Xtreme Fighting Championships, Inc.(“XFC”), DKMR became XFC and is a premier international mixed martial arts (“MMA”) organization with offices throughout the United States and South America. The Xtreme Fighting Championships (XFC) is the only publicly traded independent mixed martial arts (MMA) organization in the world. XFC is now partnered with NBC Sports in the United States, and has previously been carried on some of the largest open television broadcasters in Latin America – Rede TV!  as well as HBO, ESPN, Esportes Interativo, Terra TV (the largest internet portal in the world), and UOL – the largest internet portal in Latin America, and premium cable & satellite television network. The XFC has had over 185 exclusively signed fighters, representing over 35+ countries worldwide with even more growth expected. Boasting the signing of The Next Generation of Male & Female Superstars, the XFC is known for entertaining fans with the most action packed MMA events on television and stadium venues. The Next Generation of MMA.

 

ABOUT NBC SPORTS GROUP

NBC Sports Group serves sports fans 24/7 with premier live events, insightful studio shows, and compelling original programming. The sports media company consists of NBC Sports, NBC Olympics, NBCSN, Golf Channel, Olympic Channel: Home of Team USA, NBC Sports Regional Networks, NBC Sports Audio Network and NBC Sports Digital, which includes NBCSports.com, NBCOlympics.com, GolfChannel.com, the digital assets of the NBC Sports Regional Networks, Rotoworld, the NBC Sports Talk franchise, multiple apps, and two transactional sports businesses, GolfNow and SportsEngine, and a direct-to-consumer product NBC Sports Gold. NBC Sports Group possesses an unparalleled collection of media rights agreements, partnering with some of the most prestigious sports properties in the world: the International Olympic Committee and United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee, the NFL, NHL, NASCAR, INDYCAR, PGA TOUR, The R&A, PGA of America, USGA, Churchill Downs, Premier League, Tour de France, French Open, and many more.

JOHN MICHAEL HIGGINS, BLAKE SHELTON, MARIO LOPEZ & RANDY ORTON TO PICK KENTUCKY DERBY WINNERS TOMORROW ACROSS NBC SPORTS SOCIAL MEDIA & DURING NBC’S DERBY COVERAGE THIS SAT., SEPT. 5, AT 2:30 PM ET

By

Derby Day Interviews Feature Houston Texans’ Three-Time NFL Defensive Player of the Year J.J. Watt & World No. 3 Golfer Justin Thomas

Special Derby At Home Content Across NBC Sports Social Media Platforms

GOLF Channel, Access Hollywood, The Rich Eisen Show & CNBC to Feature Kentucky Derby Segments as NBCUniversal Surrounds Derby Day

STAMFORD, Conn. – September 3, 2020 – From the “first Saturday in May to the first Saturday in September,” NBC Sports presents coverage of the 146th Kentucky Derby, highlighted by a five-hour live NBC broadcast from Churchill Downs at 2:30 p.m. ET this Saturday, September 5. A complete schedule of NBC Sports Group’s exclusive coverage of the Kentucky Derby is available here.

Beginning at Noon ET on Saturday with NASCAR Xfinity Series racing from Darlington, S.C., and culminating with the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at 7:30 p.m. ET, NBC will broadcast 10 consecutive hours of live sports action (Noon-10 p.m. ET).

In preparation for the Derby, NBC Sports asked a number of celebrities and NBCUniversal personalities for their horse picks, including John Michael Higgins (Pitch Perfect franchise, Peacock’s Saved by the Bell), Blake Shelton (The Voice), Mario Lopez (Access Hollywood), Randy Orton (WWE Raw wrestler), and more. Their picks will be revealed across NBC Sports’ social media platforms tomorrow and air during NBC’s Kentucky Derby broadcast on Saturday.

During Saturday’s Derby coverage, Mike Tirico will interview Houston Texans’ three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year J.J. Watt about his plans for Derby Day, and the Texans’ upcoming NFL Kickoff Game against the Super Bowl-champion Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium, next Thursday, Sept. 10 at 8:20 p.m. ET on NBC. Tirico also speaks with Louisville native and World No. 3 golfer Justin Thomas.

Throughout the week, NBC Sports will surround the 146th Kentucky Derby with social media coverage, including Derby At Home, and comprehensive content across On Her Turf social accounts.

DERBY AT HOME: NBC Sports is offering Derby At Home, a virtual party experience bringing the excitement and fun of Derby Day into the home of fans. The activation includes a downloadable party kit complete with food and cocktail recipes, printable decorations, at-home fashion tips, and art projects for kids and adults, and much more. More information available at NBCSports.com/DerbyAtHome.

NBC Sports reporter Rutledge Wood will host a virtual watch party from his home and celebrate with fans around the country. Special guests include Woodford Mixologist Natalia Cardenas and CEO of the Black Bourbon Society Samara Davis.

Viewers are encouraged to take the party online and post their home Derby Party experiences using #KYDerby this Saturday.

ON HER TURF: The On Her Turf Instagram account will present social media coverage this week, including an Instagram takeover with NBC’s Kentucky Derby reporter Britney Eurton, who will give fans behind-the-scenes access on Derby Day this Saturday.

INSTAGRAM AR FILTER: The High Roller? The Fashionista? Fans can find out their Derby personality by downloading this fun Instagram filter here. The augmented reality filter must be opened on a device with the Instagram app.

SPORTSENGINE, INC.: SportsEngine, Inc., an NBC Sports Group company and the leading provider of Sport Relationship Management software, has sent out the Derby At Home Party Pack to their millions of sports families and email subscribers across the country. The downloadable party kit includes food and cocktail recipes, printable decorations, at-home fashion tips, and art projects for kids and adults, and much more.

EVERY PLATFORM, EVERY MOMENT: NBC Sports will be everywhere on every social media platform during Derby Week, bringing fans closer to the second leg of the Triple Crown. Follow @NBCSports on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram for live looks around Churchill Downs and content from at-home parties across the country, highlighting this once-in-a-lifetime event.

A wide range of NBCUniversal properties joined NBC Sports Group, giving fans the “first reason to get dressed in five months,” in celebrating the cultural and entertainment spectacle that is the Kentucky Derby. A summary of Kentucky Derby Week activities and activations are below:

ACCESS HOLLYWOOD: The Kentucky Derby is known for fashionable hats so Access Hollywood takes a look at the most memorable hat moments, including Jessica Simpson at the 2004 Kentucky Derby, Billy Porter at the 2020 Grammys and all the royal fascinators.

THE RICH EISEN SHOW: NBC’s Kentucky Derby handicapper Eddie Olczyk joined The Rich Eisen Show yesterday from the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs bubble in Edmonton to talk hockey and horse racing.

GOLF CHANNEL: During tomorrow’s opening round coverage of the TOUR Championship on GOLF Channel, a handful of PGA TOUR players share what they would name their race horse. The piece will feature players among the top-30 in the FedExCup standings competing at East Lake Golf Club this week in Atlanta, including: Rory McIlroy, Bryson DeChambeau, Harris English and Collin Morikawa.

CNBC: During Friday’s daytime business news coverage, CNBC will cover sports betting and break down the current state of horseracing, including the effects of the COVID-19. On Friday afternoon, NBC Sports’ Kentucky Derby host Mike Tirico will join CNBC’s Power Lunch.

NBC NEWS: NBC News’ Blayne Alexander will join NBC Sports’ coverage in Louisville, reporting on the protests as well as the local and national impact of the fatal shooting of 26-year-old Breonna Taylor by police in her home, which was approximately 2½ miles from Churchill Downs.

NBC AFFILIATES, OWNED STATIONS AND NBC SPORTS REGIONAL NETWORKS: Kentucky Derby promotions will air throughout the week on NBC Affiliates, Owned Stations and NBC Sports Regional networks across the country, with analysis and commentary from NBC Sports’ horse racing team on local newscasts.

NBC SPORTS AUDIO NETWORK: In partnership with Horse Racing Radio Network (HRRN), NBC Sports Audio Network will present live Kentucky Derby coverage beginning Saturday, September 5 at 5:30 p.m. ET featuring host Mike Penna and analysts Kurt Becker and Tom Leach. The broadcast will include a simulcast of the live race call by NBC Sports’ Larry Collmus. This is the sixth consecutive year HRRN and NBC Sports have teamed to produce radio coverage of the Triple Crown, which will be available throughout North America on SiriusXM satellite radio (channels 219 on Sirius and 201 on XM) along with terrestrial affiliates throughout the United States. Live streaming can also be accessed at NBCSports.com, and the HRRN website.

NBCSPORTS.COM, NBC SPORTS APP & PEACOCK: NBCSports.com and the NBC Sports app will stream live coverage to desktops, mobile, tablets, and connected TVs 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. 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. NBC Sports.com, the NBC Sports app, and Peacock – NBCUniversal’s streaming service – will provide a full race replay of the Kentucky Derby.

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, the Breeders’ Cup World Championships, Royal Ascot, and Pegasus World Cup Invitational Series. 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–

NBC SPORTS PROGRAMMING UPDATE FOR JUNE 26-28

By

NBC Sports Schedule for NBC and NBCSN, June 26-28

(All times ET unless otherwise noted, subject to change)

 

Friday, June 26 – NBCSN
7 a.m. – 9 a.m. PFT Live (LIVE)
9 a.m. – 11 a.m. PFT Live
11 a.m. – Noon NBC Sports Football Flex
Noon – 3 p.m. The Rich Eisen Show (LIVE)
3 p.m. – 4 p.m. 2020 Monster Energy AMA Supercross: Salt Lake City (June 21, 2020)
4 p.m. – 6 p.m. 2020 Monster Energy AMA Supercross: Salt Lake City (June 21, 2020)
6 p.m. – 8 p.m. TVG Trackside Live (LIVE)
8 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. 2020 NHL Draft Lottery (LIVE)
8:30 p.m. – 9 p.m. NHL Live Special (LIVE)
9 p.m. – 10 p.m. 2020 Monster Jam: San Antonio (PREMIERE)
10 p.m. – 11 p.m. 2020 Monster Jam Champion Review
11 p.m. – Midnight 2020 Monster Jam: Anaheim
Midnight – 1 a.m. NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour (June 21, 2020)
1 a.m. – 1:30 a.m. Truck Tech
1:30 a.m. – 2 a.m. Detroit Muscle
2 a.m. – 2:30 a.m. Mecum Presents: The Eddie Vannoy Collection
2:30 a.m. – 3 a.m. Mecum Presents: The John Atzbach Collection
   
Saturday, June 27 – NBC  
2 p.m. – 5 p.m. 2017 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship: Final Round
5 p.m. – 6 p.m. “Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series: Win and You’re In – presented by America’s Best Racing”: Stephen Foster Stakes (LIVE)
   
Saturday, June 27 – NBCSN  
6 a.m. – 7 a.m. American Ninja Warrior: Miami Finals
7 a.m. – 7:30 a.m. Premier League Mornings (LIVE)
7:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. Premier League: Aston Villa v. Wolverhampton Wanderers (LIVE)
9:30 a.m. – 10 a.m. Premier League Goal Zone (LIVE)
10 a.m. – 11 a.m. American Ninja Warrior: Denver Finals
11 a.m. – Noon American Ninja Warrior: Denver Finals
 Noon – 1 p.m. American Ninja Warrior: Las Vegas Finals
1 p.m. – 2 p.m. American Ninja Warrior: Las Vegas Finals
2 p.m. – 3 p.m. American Ninja Warrior: Las Vegas Finals
3 p.m. – 4 p.m. 2020 FanDuel DRL SIM Racing Cup: Race 7
4 p.m. – 6 p.m. USA Cornhole Club Championship
6 p.m. – 8 p.m. TVG Trackside Live (LIVE)
8 p.m. – Midnight 2019 Mecum Auctions: Monterey
Midnight – 3 a.m. 2018 Mecum Auctions: Kissimmee
   
Sunday, June 28 – NBC  
3 p.m. – 6 p.m. 2016 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship: Final Round
   
Sunday, June 28 – NBCSN  
6 a.m. – 6:30 a.m. Premier League Classic Match: Arsenal v. Tottenham (Oct. 28, 2008)
6:30 a.m. – 7 a.m. Premier League Classic Match: Liverpool v. Manchester United (Jan. 4, 1994)
7 a.m. – 7:30 a.m. Premier League World: Episode 32
7:30 a.m. – 8 a.m. Premier League World: Episode 33
8 a.m. – 9 a.m. Premier League Review Show – Match Week 30
9 a.m. – 10 a.m. Premier League Review Show – Match Week 31
10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Premier League Mornings (LIVE)
11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Premier League: Watford v. Southampton (LIVE)
1:30 p.m. – 2 p.m. Premier League Goal Zone (LIVE)
2 p.m. – 3 p.m. American Ninja Warrior: Las Vegas Finals
3 p.m. – 4 p.m. American Ninja Warrior: Las Vegas Finals
4 p.m. – 8 p.m. TVG Trackside Live (LIVE)
8 p.m. – 10 p.m. 2019 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship: Washougal National (July 27, 2019)
10 p.m. – Midnight 2019 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship: Budds Creek National (Aug. 17, 2019)
Midnight – 2 a.m. 2019 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship: Ironman National (Aug. 24, 2019)
2 a.m. – 2:30 a.m. Mecum Presents: The John Atzbach Collection
2:30 a.m. – 3 a.m. Mecum Presents: Indy Specials