Key facts
- Premier League viewership is up 20% among 18-34 year olds in the US.
- US broadcasters NBC and USA Network are averaging 500,000 viewers per game.
- The World Cup served as a catalyst for expanding the Premier League's reach in the US.
- Tottenham Hotspur's match against Newcastle United on August 29 was the season's most-watched game in the US.
- Nielsen Sports provided the viewership data released on Monday.
The Premier League is experiencing a surge in US viewership, particularly among younger demographics, following the country's co-hosting of the recent World Cup. Data from Nielsen Sports shows a 20% increase in viewership among Americans aged 18-34 this season.
US broadcasters NBC and the USA Network have reported an average of half a million viewers for Premier League games, marking a 3% rise. This growth is attributed to the increased exposure and interest generated by the World Cup. Jon Stainer, global GM at Nielsen Sports, stated that the World Cup acted as a "powerful catalyst" in expanding the league's reach to a broader audience.
The most-watched match of the season so far in the US was Tottenham Hotspur's 2-0 defeat by Newcastle United on August 29, which attracted over one million viewers. Tottenham has been involved in three of the top six most-watched games this season.
NBC's Premier League coverage, led by its studio team including Rebecca Lowe, Robbie Earle, Robbie Mustoe, and Tim Howard, is aiming to capitalize on this heightened interest. Pierre Moossa, coordinating producer for NBC's coverage, believes the World Cup has created significant awareness and presents an opportunity to cultivate new generations of soccer fans. The network's strategy involves highlighting the traditions and stakes of the Premier League, including the impact of relegation and promotion, to engage new viewers.