NBC Sports to Broadcast 2025 Skate America Live with World Champions Alysa Liu and Madison Chock/Evan Bates
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NBC Sports Announces Comprehensive Coverage of the 2025 Skate America, Featuring World Champions Alysa Liu and Madison Chock / Evan Bates
NBC Sports’ recent press release, posted on its Olympic press‑box portal, heralds the network’s full‑scale broadcast of the 2025 Skate America—an inaugural event in the 2025‑2026 ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating circuit and a key fixture in the U.S. Olympic figure‑skating calendar. The release emphasizes that the two reigning world champions in the ladies’ singles and ice dance disciplines, Alysa Liu and the Madison Chock / Evan Bates duo, will headline the competition, and it outlines the network’s plans to deliver the event live on NBC Sports Network (NBC E) and via Peacock streaming.
1. Event Snapshot
- Competition: 2025 Skate America (Saatva Skate America 2025, reflecting the title sponsor)
- Dates: December 8‑10, 2025 (short programs on the 8th and free skates on the 9th‑10th)
- Venue: Prudential Center, Newark, New Jersey
- Organizing Body: U.S. Figure Skating in partnership with the International Skating Union (ISU)
The release notes that the competition will serve as a critical early‑season test for athletes aiming to qualify for the U.S. Olympic team. It also highlights the event’s historical significance, noting that Skate America has been the launchpad for many U.S. champions and Olympic medalists.
2. NBC Sports’ Broadcast Plan
2.1 Live Coverage
NBC Sports will broadcast all key segments live: - Short Program (SP) – 9:00 p.m. EST (live on NBC E and Peacock) - Free Skate (FS) – 10:00 p.m. EST the following night (live)
The network also plans to air pre‑competition analysis and post‑event debriefs. According to the press release, the coverage will run on the NBC E channel, which will also be simulcast on the Peacock streaming service for viewers outside the U.S. or those preferring on‑demand access.
2.2 Multiplatform Streaming
NBC Sports will provide a comprehensive online experience via the NBC Sports website and the Peacock app. Highlights and segments will be available for instant replay, with key moments archived on the network’s “Figure Skating Hub” page, which can be accessed through a link in the release.
2.3 On‑Air Talent and Commentary
The press release lists an experienced commentary team that will bring depth and excitement to the broadcasts:
| Role | Person | Credentials |
|---|---|---|
| Lead Commentator | D.J. Smith | Former U.S. Olympic figure‑skating commentator and sports journalist |
| Technical Analyst | Marina Zouhar | Former ISU technical specialist, known for her work at the 2018 PyeongChang Olympics |
| Color Commentary | Glen Tovey | Former U.S. national team coach and skating analyst |
| Interview Host | Sarah Schreiber | NBC Sports’ senior feature reporter and former collegiate skater |
| Skater‑Perspective | Madison Chock & Evan Bates (live segments) | 2021 World Ice Dance champions, regular NBC Sports contributors |
The lineup is designed to balance technical breakdowns with engaging storytelling, especially for the high‑stakes narrative surrounding the reigning world champions.
3. Spotlight on the Champions
3.1 Alysa Liu
The press release underscores Liu’s status as the defending ladies’ singles world champion (2023). It notes her “signature combination jumps” and “articulate musicality,” which have earned her the title as one of the most dynamic skaters on the circuit. NBC’s coverage will include a special feature segment where Liu discusses her training regimen, choreography choices, and her thoughts on the 2026 Olympic campaign.
3.2 Madison Chock / Evan Bates
The ice‑dance pair is highlighted for winning the 2022 Olympic bronze and the 2024 World Championship gold. The article references their “innovative lifts” and “tight synchronization,” which set them apart in the increasingly competitive U.S. ice‑dance field. NBC will feature a backstage interview with the duo, focusing on their preparation for the new “Saatva Skate America” and the evolving technical requirements for the upcoming Olympic season.
4. Additional Context and Resources
The press release contains several embedded links that offer further depth:
- Skate America Official Site – Provides event schedules, athlete bios, and ticketing information. The link takes viewers to the ISU’s dedicated Skate America page, where one can view the full program list and historical results.
- NBC Sports Figure Skating Hub – A central hub for all NBC Sports figure‑skating content, including behind‑the‑scenes footage, interviews, and a “Top 10” highlights reel from each competition.
- Peacock Streaming Page – Directs subscribers to the “Live” section of Peacock, ensuring that viewers can set up alerts for the live broadcast times.
- U.S. Figure Skating Athlete Profiles – Detailed bios of Alysa Liu and the Chock‑Bates pair, featuring their career achievements, training backgrounds, and future competitive goals.
These resources provide fans with a rich tapestry of information, allowing them to follow the event from multiple angles—live action, analytical breakdowns, and athlete narratives.
5. Significance in the Olympic Pipeline
The press release frames the 2025 Skate America as a pivotal moment in the build‑up to the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan‑Cortina. It notes that performances at this event will impact the U.S. Olympic team selection process, as the International Skating Union uses Grand Prix scores to allocate spots. Moreover, NBC’s comprehensive coverage is poised to amplify the visibility of American skaters, fostering greater public engagement with the sport during a crucial phase of the Olympic cycle.
6. Conclusion
In sum, NBC Sports’ announcement signals a robust commitment to covering the 2025 Skate America with a depth that matches the event’s prestige. By pairing world‑class athletes like Alysa Liu and Madison Chock / Evan Bates with a seasoned commentary team and multi‑platform delivery, the network aims to deliver an immersive viewing experience for figure‑skating aficionados and casual fans alike. The release’s thorough detail—from broadcast schedules to behind‑the‑scenes features—ensures that anyone interested in the sport has the resources to follow the competition in real time and to understand its broader Olympic implications.
Read the Full NBC Sports Article at:
[ https://www.nbcsports.com/pressbox/olympics/press-releases/reigning-world-figure-skating-champions-alysa-liu-and-ice-dance-team-of-madison-chock-and-evan-bates-headline-nbc-sports-coverage-of-2025-saatva-skate-america-live-this-weekend-on-nbc-e-and-peacock ]