Inside NBC’s $110M Peacock NFL playoff game gamble as outrage grows

NY Post ^ | Jan. 11, 2024, 8:45 a.m. ET | By Social Links forRyan Glasspiegel

[Red Badger]

NBC sees the $110 million NFL playoff game airing exclusively on Peacock as a doorway into a much bigger house.

The Chiefs host the Dolphins on Saturday night on the NBC streaming service which is in about 30 million homes, less than half the reach of NBC and the other three broadcast networks, and voices ranging from sports radio legend Mike Francesa to Chiefs defensive end Charles Omenihu already have griped about it.

Asked by The Post in an exclusive interview what he would say to the detractors, newly minted NBC Sports president Rick Cordella understood the consternation but emphasized the “halo effect” of all the other sports and entertainment properties for subscribers to enjoy on the platform.

“Look, I think any time there’s change there will be people that talk about it. We saw that with WWE and English Premier League,” he said.

“We survey our users on Peacock every month, and know that [their fans] are two of the most highly satisfied cohorts overall. I think the big thing with our game on Saturday night is we have to do a great job explaining all the great content that we have on our platform.”

Therefore, Cordella, 47, explained, it’s “not a pay-per-view.”

The playoff game the streaming service is airing features a lot of star power, including generational talents such as Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce and Tyreek Hill, as well as Tua Tagovailoa who has been one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL since Mike McDaniel became the Dolphins’ head coach last season.

In addition to the aforementioned WWE premium live events, including the Royal Rumble and WrestleMania, and English soccer, Peacock has exclusive Big Ten football and basketball and simulcasts of NBC Sports properties such as “Sunday Night Football” and the Olympics.

[SomeCallMeTim]

I did

[Old Yeller]

Boycott or else it will get worse in the future.

[Old Yeller]

The NFL has the most watched product, can set their terms, and the consumer will pay.

Good excuse to get together with your friends and get drunk. At least one day a week, you don't have to drink alone.

[Old Yeller]

I would think that local citizens who are paying taxes to fund the stadiums should be able to sue for the inability to watch what they paid for..

This particular game is on regular NBC television in Kansas City and Miami, only.

[FamiliarFace]

Omg… hubby says he looked into it, and that Peacock is part of our Xfinity plan. Looks like he will get to watch it after all. I will hope he has it muted for most of the game. Can’t stand that awful fight song.

[Not A Snowbird]

I’ll watch hockey instead. I refuse to subscribe to a streaming service under duress.

[Red Badger]

Congratulations!.......................

[Impy]

I you really want to see it just google nfl streams, watch out for pop up ads.

My dad has a superbox Pro so I’m gonna watch it with him. They are asking for it. I absolutely hate that everyone and their uncle expects $15 a month for their streaming service, like I need to see reruns of Nash Bridges and whatever else in their extensive library.

Stupid and hateful decision by the NFL.

[markman46]

oh ok, i didn’t and refused to pay 100.00 a month, guess i’ll have to sign up in june this year

[FamiliarFace]

I don’t know about that. I was looking forward to watching a movie instead. I know I will sort of watch it anyway. I just hate Tay Tay and the Chiefs. I know the NFL chose this game because of her fans. It disgusts me.

[dfwgator]

The catering to the female audience has ruined sports.

[ro_dreaming]

Yeah, I looked up “streameast” - and it said it wouldn’t charge me, but wanted my credit card info.

Uhm - then why do you want my credit card info?

Nope.

[FamiliarFace]

I’m sick of it, and I’m a female. I have always been a football fan since I was a little girl. This catering is making me ill. The TS thing is even more maddening. I hate it.

They just had to show a stupid Tay Tay sighting. Who cares? This is so bad.

[combat_boots]

Is there no enterprising soul.

[dfwgator]

Exactly, I have no problem with women who like football, who at least know something about the game.

[FamiliarFace]

I also hate the belittling of men by women on the ads that are so prevalent now. That makes me sick, too. It’s all crazy now.

[Varsity Flight]

Taylor, grooming the next Brady, and braving her man in the cold.

[FamiliarFace]

Kelce is a tight end, not a QB, but I get what you’re saying about the celebrity part. I don’t remember Gisele being shown prominently entering the stadium and going to her seat in the box.

[Rennes Templar]

Just an FYI, there are rogue free streaming sites. Best one is Wizziwig.

You have to navigate through the ads to get to the broadcast. I’ve watches several games when not available otherwise.

[Red Badger]

Thanks!................