NBCUniversal will stream important Tokyo Olympics events to Peacock spectators

June 23 (Reuters) – NBCUniversal will broadcast some of the most anticipated Tokyo Olympics events, including gymnastics and U.S. men’s basketball, on its streaming platform Peacock, the company announced Wednesday in an effort to attract more viewers to the service.

The Olympics, which have limited viewers this summer due to the COVID-19 pandemic, are an opportunity for Comcast Corp-owned (CMCSA.O) media company to attract advertiser dollars and promote Peacock at a time when viewers are watching less live TV. NBCUniversal paid $ 7.65 billion to extend its Olympic broadcasting rights in the United States until 2032.

The Games continue to face resistance as the majority of Japanese audiences oppose hosting the Olympics while the country struggles with COVID-19 infections. Only 8.2% of Japanese citizens were fully vaccinated against COVID-19 on Wednesday, according to Reuters.

But the global sporting event is critical for NBCUniversal to draw attention to Peacock, a late entrant in the streaming war and competing with players such as Netflix (NFLX.O) and Walt Disney Co. (DIS.N) Disney +.

A live broadcast of some of the most popular sports, including athletics and superstar events such as U.S. gymnast Simone Biles, is available for free at Peacock, according to the company, although U.S. men’s basketball requires a premium subscription.

Comedian Kevin Hart and rapper Snoop Dogg are directing Peacock in a new series of comments to recap the highlights of the games.

Launched in the U.S. last July, Peacock offers a free, ad-supported version and two paid options: a $ 4.99 per month service with commercials and 20,000 hours of programming; and an ad-free version that costs $ 9.99 per month.

The Olympics will be held from July 23 to August 8.

Reported by Helen Coster in New York and Sheila Dang in Dallas by Marguerita Choy

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