NBCSN & More Deliver October Ratings Bump for NBC Sports Group

Buoyed by Sunday Night Football, the opening of the NHL season, Premier League and MLS matches, Formula One and IndyCar racing, and golf's Presidents Cup, NBC Sports Group posted large viewership increases in October.

"October was an exciting month as many of the properties we have acquired and shows we have created turned in excellent performances," said Mark Lazarus, Chairman, NBC Sports Group. "We are pleased to share this success with our advertisers, affiliates, and league and distribution partners."

NBCSN and Golf Channel increased October total day viewership by 116% and 75% respectively - ranking #1 and #2 among all cable networks in October viewership growth vs. last year, according to data released by The Nielsen Company.

Golf Channel's average total day viewership (84,000) was its best-ever for October and marks the seventh time (in 10 months) this calendar year that the network has set a monthly record. NBCSN's Primetime viewership jumped 183% from October 2012 to October 2013 - also tops among all cable networks - on the strength of the NHL's return. NBCSN Primetime October viewership is also up 7% vs. 2011.

NBC's Sunday Night Football posted its best October ever with an average of 21.5 million viewers (up 17% from last year), 12.6 household rating (up 14%), and 8.1 Adult 18-49 rating (up 14%). The October 20 SNF game - featuring Peyton Manning's return to Indianapolis in the Colts' 39-33 victory over the Broncos - was the most-watched October Primetime NFL game in 21 years with an average of 26.9 million viewers.

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