NBCU snaps up Universal Sports Network rights

Media company NBCUniversal has acquired Universal Sports Network’s rights after the US pay-television sports broadcaster closed down.

The rights include agreements with international and national governing bodies for Olympic sports such as swimming, track and field athletics, gymnastics, figure skating, skiing, cycling, triathlon and volleyball.

NBC Sports Group will utilise NBCU’s different channels and platforms, including NBCSN and Universal HD, to exploit the rights.

NBCU has an eight-per-cent stake in Universal Sports Network, with InterMedia Partners holding the remaining 92-per-cent shareholding.

With the broadcaster showing mostly Olympic sports, NBCU’s plans to launch the International Olympic Committee’s new channel has led to the closure, according to multiple reports in the US. The IOC is hoping to launch the channel in April 2016.

“Acquiring these valuable media rights builds on our long-term investment in the Olympic Games through 2032, and reaffirms our commitment to Olympic sports and the stories of the great athletes who compete in them,” said Gary Zenkel, president of NBC Olympics, a division of NBC Sports Group. “We now have a great opportunity to engage with the Olympic-sport audience year round and inspire the next generation of Olympic fans, which is a critical part of our ongoing Olympic strategy.”