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NBC Sports Capitalizes on World Cup Enthusiasm to Boost Premier League Interest

Ta-Nehisi Coates

Ta-Nehisi Coates

Author and journalist whose work on culture, race, and history includes writing for Marvel's "Black Panther."

NBC Sports is strategically utilizing the widespread enthusiasm ignited by its World Cup coverage on Telemundo and Peacock to cultivate sustained interest in the return of the Premier League. Recognizing a significant opportunity to convert casual World Cup viewers into dedicated soccer fans, the broadcaster has rolled out an innovative campaign. This initiative aims to deepen engagement with the sport by connecting individuals with a specific Premier League club, fostering a more personal and lasting connection beyond the global tournament.

At the heart of this strategy is the “Find Your Match” interactive quiz, a meticulously designed 11-question survey intended to pair participants with a Premier League club. This quiz delves into personality traits and cultural preferences, aiming to forge a genuine connection between new or curious fans and a team that aligns with their identity. Lyndsay Signor, Senior Vice President of Marketing at NBC Sports, emphasizes that the objective is to establish a bond that encourages viewers to follow their matched team throughout the 2026-2027 season, which will be broadcast across NBC, Peacock, and Versant's USA Network.

Signor highlights that internal data confirms a strong desire among individuals who discovered soccer through the World Cup to maintain their newfound passion. This presents a unique window of opportunity for NBC Sports and the Premier League to capitalize on the World Cup's momentum. A key factor bolstering this initiative is the significant presence of Premier League players in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with 182 players from the league participating or slated to participate. This includes rising stars like Erling Haaland, whose increased visibility during the World Cup offers a familiar face for new fans to follow into the Premier League season.

The campaign formally debuted at Fanatics Fest NYC, where a large-scale “Find Your Match” experience was set up from July 16 to July 19. Attendees had the exclusive first opportunity to engage with the quiz and discover their ideal club match. Akash Jain, U.S. Managing Director of the Premier League, expressed excitement for the upcoming season, stating confidence that fans, regardless of their matched club, will embark on an unforgettable journey. As an added incentive, participants who complete the quiz are entered into a drawing for a trip to the UK to witness their newly adopted Premier League team in action. The quiz is also accessible online via NBCSports.com, PremierLeague.com, and the Premier League app.

Ultimately, the “Find Your Match” quiz serves as a bridge, assuring both casual observers and devoted enthusiasts that a platform exists for them to continue following their favorite soccer stars and immerse themselves deeper into the world of professional club football. This initiative underscores NBC Sports' commitment to growing the sport's audience in the United States by making it more accessible and relatable to a broader demographic.