The 2024/25 Premier League season saw a dip in viewership on NBC, marking the lowest average audience for the network since the 2021/22 season. With an average of 510,000 viewers per match window, NBC Sports recorded a seven percent year-over-year decrease.
This decline comes despite a significant consumption of Premier League content on NBCUniversal platforms, with a total of 14 billion minutes viewed in English and Spanish. Interestingly, even though the overall viewership decreased, there were still standout moments during the season that garnered attention.
One such highlight was Manchester City’s victory over Chelsea on the opening weekend, which attracted 1.8 million viewers across both NBC and Peacock. Additionally, some matches aired on NBC’s linear networks managed to maintain impressive viewership numbers, averaging at least one million viewers per game.
Fans continued to show strong support for the league through online streaming as well. Throughout the season, supporters streamed over four billion minutes of Premier League matches for the second consecutive year. This trend underscores the growing popularity of digital platforms for sports consumption.
Moreover, engagement levels remained robust across NBC Sports’ social media channels. The network experienced a notable increase in impressions for Premier League-related posts along with substantial growth in video views and overall engagement. These metrics suggest a high level of interest and interaction from fans across various online platforms.
The Premier League holds a special place within NBC’s sports portfolio as one of its most popular properties. Despite fluctuations in viewership numbers from season to season, it consistently attracts a significant audience base. Notably, this recent season marked the fourth consecutive year with an average audience delivery exceeding 500,000 viewers.
In addition to traditional broadcasting methods, streaming services like Peacock have become integral to delivering live sports content to audiences. The platform offers access to all 380 Premier League games and has emerged as a key player in expanding soccer reach in the US market.
Looking ahead, NBC’s commitment to broadcasting the Premier League remains steadfast with their rights secured until at least the end of the 2027/28 campaign. As technology continues to shape how sports content is consumed globally, partnerships between traditional broadcasters and streaming services will play an essential role in reaching diverse audiences.
The evolving landscape of sports media presents opportunities for enhanced fan experiences and broader reach for leagues like the Premier League. As consumer preferences shift towards digital viewing options, broadcasters must adapt their strategies to stay competitive and deliver engaging content across multiple platforms.
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