Live NFL coverage returns to BBC Radio

Live coverage of NFL games will return to BBC Radio 5 Live this week for the 2010 season, it has been confirmed.

The BBC will broadcast weekly commentary from the NFL on Radio 5 Live Sports Extra right up to Super Bowl XLV in Dallas in February next year.

Coverage starts at 12.30am on September 10 for current Superbowl champions the New Orleans Saints versus the Minnesota Vikings. The broadcast will include a comprehensive season preview covering all 32 teams in the NFL. Match commentary will come from Darren Fletcher and Greg Brady on a US radio network.

Other highlights from the season include Donovan McNabb's return to Philadelphia as the Washington Redskins take on the Eagles on October 3, and the International Series match between the San Francisco 49ers and the Denver Broncos at Wembley Stadium on October 31.

The BBC will broadcast double-header games later in the season and there will be additional live commentaries in November and December, as well as every round of the post-season, including the Super Bowl.

Radio 5 Live's NFL series will be produced by USP Content, which handles all BBC Radio's coverage of the Formula One season.

"This year is all about increasing our coverage and with more games than before, the UK NFL fan will have even more of their sport on the BBC," said series producer Simon Crosse.

"Five Live have given the NFL great backing by re-commissioning the series and asking for more games. This not only shows their faith in the growth of the NFL in the UK but in our outstanding broadcasting team of Arlo White, Darren Fletcher, Neil Reynolds and Greg Brady.

"We start with a bang with games in New Orleans and Seattle in Week One and are raring to bring the excitement and intrigue of another NFL season back to fans in the UK."

NFL UK managing director Alistair Kirkwood added: "We are delighted to be entering a second season of live weekly NFL action on BBC Radio in 2010.

"The NFL was very pleased with the community of listeners the show built last season and look forward to increased coverage all the way up to the Super Bowl in February."

The BBC Sport website will also host a weekly blog from NFL expert Neil Reynolds, along with video highlights of the games.