NBCUniversal to stream major Tokyo Olympics events in push for Peacock viewers

FILE PHOTO: The logo of the Tokyo Olympic Games, at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Office building in Tokyo, Japan, January 22, 2021. REUTERS/Issei Kato/File Photo/File Photo

(Reuters) - Comcast Corp's NBCUniversal said on Wednesday it will air some of the most anticipated Tokyo Olympics events including gymnastics and USA Men's basketball on its streaming platform Peacock, in an effort to draw more viewers to the service.

The Olympics, which this summer will have limited spectators due to the COVID-19 pandemic, are an opportunity for NBCUniversal to attract viewers and advertiser dollars and promote its Peacock streaming service at a time when viewers are watching less live TV. NBCUniversal paid $7.65 billion to extend its U.S. broadcast rights for the Olympics through 2032.