Back of the net! NBC Sports is knee-sliding towards the corner flag as the opening weekend of the 2025-26 English Premier League season was the most-watched ever in the U.S.

According to data from Nielsen and Adobe Analytics, the Premier League opening weekend averaged 850,000 viewers across six matches aired live on NBC/Peacock, USA Network and NBC Sports ‘ digital platforms (in the period Aug. 15-17). The figure is up 4 percent from the 820,000 viewers from the 2024-25 season.

Sunday’s big match between Manchester United and London-based powerhouse Arsenal, which aired on NBC, Peacock and NBC Sports’ digital platforms, averaged a healthy 2 million viewers, making it the most-watched opening weekend match on record in the U.S., as well as the second most-watched match in the U.S.

See Full Page