Today a conference call was held with three key figures in NBC Sports’ coverage of the Barclays Premier League, lead announcer Arlo White, commentator Lee Dixon and presenter Rebecca Lowe. The panel were asked a variety of questions from reporters across the nation. Here is a paraphrased sampling of the questions and their responses.
With the title race likely coming down to three clubs, Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United, how would you intrigue the casual fan to watch the Premier League?
Arlo White: While a limited amount of clubs may challenge at the top there are so many more subplots at play that may interest the causal fan. Finishing in a Champions League spot, a Europa League spot, and avoiding “the dreaded trap door” of relegation all make for exciting storylines. For the American fan I like to ask - can you imagine what kind of drama would ensue if the New York Yankees had a bad season and were relegated to Triple A?
The competition for soccer broadcast rights has resulted in more soccer on television than ever before. Do you see this as the tipping point for soccer in the U.S.?
Arlo White: I don’t think it’s ever been this popular in the United States. I spent time here in the ‘80s and then again in 1991. I can remember sitting in the home of my relatives outside of Chicago and flipping through what seemed like hundreds of television channels in search of some football. Somewhere in the 300s or something I managed to find a channel showing Manchester United and there I saw a 17 year old Ryan Giggs thrashing a volley into the net against West Ham.
Things have come a long way since then but are we at a tipping point? We’ll have to wait and see. I just know there is a huge following and even if you’re the 6th, 7th or 8th most popular sport, in a country of 350 millions you’re still quite viable.
Who are your predictions to win the league and the scoring title? Also, who do you think will be the signing of the season?
Lee Dixon: It’s simply too tough to call at this point. I think there are 3-4 big transfers that have yet to go down and only when those do will we really have a feel for who can take the title.
Arlo White: It is difficult but I think City will win the league and Wilfried Bony will be the signing of the season. A lot of players have a difficult time adapting to the Premier League but Bony possesses the physical attributes to succeed and comes into England having scored 31 goals in 24 Eredivisie appearances last season.
Rebecca Lowe: So tough to call but I think Chelsea will win the league with City, Spurs and United in that order. I think Roberto Soldado will be the top scorer while West Ham’s Ravel Morrison will be the find of the season. He comes from a great pedigree at Manchester United and is finally coming into his own as a player.
What are the challenges you face trying to connect to American audiences?
Lee Dixon: The general preparations will be the same. There are challenges for different audiences but the biggest thing is to give respect to the audience. The game is the most important thing and we won’t be dumbing it down. My strength is analytical but I try to convey my analysis as simply as possible. I think the key to is to say what’s in your head and that will translate to all audiences. No matter what country you’re from, the game takes care of itself.
Rebecca Lowe: A lot of the preparation is very similar. For me, there will be the slight difference between how I speak of the game in England and how the people in the U.S. want to hear it. So I need to be very aware of that. The other challenge is to concentrate on 10 games. I came from ESPN UK where we concentrated on just a single match. Most important for me is that I adapt to a new country, system, network and that I engage with the viewer.
What are your thoughts on the Wayne Rooney situation? Will he leave United?
Lee Dixon: I don’t think he should leave but I think he will. He’s been quiet of late. I don’t see Rooney going abroad so that means he’ll need to be sold to a competitor, which could take the title away from United. If they sell to Chelsea it will be a huge double blow, not only losing him but losing him to a title competitor as well.
Arlo White: We’ll have to wait and see. It’s a game of cat and mouse, once one player goes then there’s money injected into the transfer market and they all go. At the end of the day, however, players generally get their wish.
Rebecca Lowe: It’s probably not even his decision to make but I don’t see how Moyes can let Rooney go. It’s hard enough for Moyes in his first year at Old Trafford, I just don’t know how United can put their manager in that position. If they do sell Rooney and end up finishing second Moyes will be left angry but it won’t be his problem.
