NBC extended its TV deal with the Tour de France through '23, a move that will see the network carry two of the event's stages live next month. NBC execs believe this marks the first time the bike race will be carried live on U.S. network television. NBC plans to carry 12 hours of coverage, including the race's opening and closing stages, which will be aired live on NBC Sports Network. The July 7 and 8 stages will be carried live on NBC's flagship network. NBC Sports President of Programming Jon Miller said, "We've seen continued growth with this sport in this country." Miller would not comment on the amount of NBC's rights fee, saying only that it represents an increase and accounts for the high production costs in covering the event. NBC's current deal for the tour -- cut with Amaury Sport Organisation -- had two more years remaining. The new 10-year deal includes all U.S. digital and mobile rights. As part of the deal, NBC Sports Network will telecast a nightly studio show from 8:00-11:00pm ET. The agreement also includes coverage of other ASO properties, such as the Dakar Rally and Paris Marathon.
