NBC Sports Digital is adding live EPL matches and studio-based programming to its NBC Sports Gold streaming product, marking the first time the league's content has been available to U.S. consumers in an OTT package. The $49.99 cost for the new “Premier League Pass” will cover 130 matches during the '17-18 season, with a minimum of three matches for each individual club, along with NBC Sports original content, highlight clips and studio programming such as “Men In Blazers” and “Behind The Badge.” The development of NBC Sports Gold has been a key priority for the company, and the service currently offers separate passes to cycling, motocross, rugby and track & field.
The addition of the EPL represents arguably the most notable content to be offered thus far. “We’re learning a lot about the direct-to-consumer space, and if this is successful, I think it will help drive adoption of (NBC Sports Gold),” said NBC Sports Group Exec VP & GM of Digital Media Rick Cordella. NBC Sports will continue to cover the EPL in its regular TV schedule, and does not plan to reduce coverage on NBC and NBCSN. Matches included in the “Premier League Pass” were previously part of linear TV Extra Time packages and distributed through NBCSports.com on an authenticated basis.
