American TV network NBC, which has held the exclusive rights to broadcast the English Premier League in the United States since 2013, is seeking to push the league to send two opening-day games across the Atlantic. This move is a key part of NBC’s strategy as they have significantly increased their financial commitment to the Premier League over the years. The idea of hosting regular season games in the US is not entirely new, with previous considerations dating back to 2008 when the concept of a ’39th game’ was proposed.

However, this idea was met with strong opposition and ultimately discarded. Now, NBC Sports is once again advocating for the concept, particularly focusing on the opening day of the season. Jim Miller, the president of acquisitions and partnerships at NBC Sports, has expressed his enthusiasm for hosting Premier League games in the US, specifically highlighting the potential for the opening weekend.

Miller has engaged in discussions with the Premier League, which has shown openness to the idea, especially given the success of the Premier League Summer Series held in the US last year. However, the Premier League’s chief executive, Richard Masters, has acknowledged the possibility of taking games abroad but clarified that it is not currently included in the league’s plans. He cited concerns from players about the already extensive schedule and the ongoing expansion of football.

In the midst of this, NBC is actively pursuing its vision, while the Premier League is maintaining a cautious approach, leaving the door open for potential matches abroad but not committing to such plans at the present time.