STAMFORD, CONN. – November 16, 2015 – NBCUniversal has acquired Universal Sports Network assets from World Championship Sports Network, effective immediately, as part of an agreement that was announced today by all parties. Universal Sports has provided coverage of USA Gymnastics premiere events including the Nastia Liukin Cup, Secret U.S. Classic and P&G Championships, as well as live and taped delayed coverage of the World Championships.
Media rights including agreements with international and national governing bodies for Olympic-sport events in gymnastics, swimming, track and field, figure skating, skiing, cycling, triathlon, volleyball, and more, will now be part of the NBC Sports Group portfolio.
NBC Sports Group will utilize NBCUniversal’s family of networks, including NBCSN and Universal HD, to televise events. NBC Sports Live Extra — NBC Sports’ live streaming product for desktops, mobile devices, tablets, and connected TVs — will live stream events, including some digital-only programming. Universal Sports Network has ceased operations.
“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, 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.”