The EPL will again be all over TV this Sunday, as NBC Sports Group will be broadcasting live all 10 of the league’s scheduled games in the final weekend of the season at 10:00am ET. Last year was the first time that NBC tried out the concept, a way to showcase both the power of the EPL and NBCU, said NBC Sports President of Programming Jon Miller. While the EPL title was still up for grabs heading into the final Sunday last season, Chelsea wrapped up this season's some time ago. Miller said this is both a pro and a con. Miller: "Obviously we’ve been able to prep certain elements for a while since Chelsea has been in the driver’s seat, so that takes a little bit of suspense out of it. We’ve focused a bit more on the relegation story instead as a result, especially now that Hull is fighting to stay out on this last day." Miller credited NBC Sports Senior VP/Marketing & Promotion Bill Bergofin and his team for a spot highlighting the relegation battle to the tune of "So Long, Farewell" from the film "The Sound of Music."
AFTER PARTY: In addition to the games, there are a few other unique elements with which NBC Sports will close out the EPL season. Immediately following the matches at 12:00pm, an hour-long wrap-up show will air on NBC, featuring the trophy presentation. At 2:00pm, NBCSN will air a 30-minute show highlighting Chelsea’s season, and an hour-long edition of the "Men in Blazers" show will air on NBCSN following coverage of the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs. Among the features not included on the final day is a Red Zone-esque program highlighting all 10 games with live look-ins. NBC Sports used the concept twice this year, including on New Year’s Day when eight teams played. But Miller said with all 10 NBCU channels showing games, there was no room for it on the final day. Miller said it would be possible NBC Sports could consider a similar concept to be streamed on the NBC Sports Live Extra app down the road.
