A storm is brewing over the broadcasting of the highly anticipated 2023 USATF Outdoor Championships in the fast-paced world of track and field. Renowned sprinter Michael Johnson, a field legend, has come forward to explain NBC’s decision not to broadcast the event live.

As the debate continues, it is critical to delve deeper into the complexities of the media rights agreement between USATF and NBC. Furthermore, the outspoken Sha’Carri Richardson has expressed her dissatisfaction, highlighting the difficulties the sport faces in gaining the attention it deserves.

Michael Johnson’s perspective on NBC’s decision

Michael Jhonson took to Twitter recently to share an article by LetsRun.com. He penned, “Lots of complaints about USA champs not airing on NBC this year. Important to understand why.” For the first time since 2006, the USATF Outdoor Championships, set for July 6–9 in Eugene, Oregon, will not be broadcast live on NBC.

While CNBC will provide six hours of live coverage, NBC’s decision to air reruns of “America’s Got Talent” during primetime has sparked outrage among fans and athletes. The situation calls into question the USATF-NBC media rights agreement, which guarantees at least eight hours of live coverage on the NBC broadcast network.

The USATF Outdoor Championships have traditionally played a significant role in meeting NBC’s coverage obligations. This year, however, all equivalent coverage will be shown on CNBC and live streamed on Peacock. The change in schedule, with finals now taking place from 9 to 11 p.m. ET, has sparked speculation about a possible link between the new timing and the lack of NBC coverage. Moreover, the USATF stated that the schedule change was made to improve performance, but it is unclear whether this is related to the lack of NBC broadcasting.

Read More: “Killing the Sport”: Sha’Carri Richardson Joins Hands With Millions After NBC Drops a Disappointing Update for Track and Field World

Sha’Carri Richardson’s outcry criticizing the lack of exposure

The decision by NBC to prioritize the US Women’s Open golf tournament during the Saturday and Sunday 4-6 p.m. ET window reflects the network’s strategic choices. The golf tournament’s viewership numbers last year surpassed those of the 2022 USATF Championships, highlighting the network’s commitment to reaching a broader audience.

While diehard track and field fans can still access streaming options, CNBC’s comparatively smaller viewership may limit its true potential to reach new viewers. Sha’Carri Richardson, known for her lightning-fast sprints, was outspoken about her dissatisfaction with the streaming channels chosen for this year’s championship.

She took to Instagram to criticize media companies’ exploitation of the sport and highlight the sport’s lack of exposure. Many fans and athletes agree with Richardson that the sport deserves better representation and wider access for casual viewers. In the midst of Sha’Carri Richardson’s outcry and Michael Johnson’s revelations, the controversy surrounding the absence of NBC coverage for the 2023 USATF Outdoor Championships intensifies.

As track and field enthusiasts eagerly await the competition, the sport’s struggle for recognition and exposure continues, reminding us of that.

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