A “comprehensive, multi-year deal” is now in place that keeps NBC network affiliation agreements for TEGNA stations in some 20 markets including Phoenix; Buffalo-Niagara Falls; and Portland, Ore.

The 20 TEGNA markets cover more than 21 million households, and nearly 17 percent of U.S. TV households.

As TEGNA is the largest independent owner of NBC affiliates, the new agreement was not a surprise.

“As the largest NBC affiliate group among independent station groups, we are proud of our longstanding partnership that enables us to serve local communities,” said TEGNA President/CEO Dave Lougee. “This new multi-year agreement allows our stations to continue providing consumers and advertisers with premium network content such as TODAY, Sunday Night Football and this summer’s Paris Olympic Games alongside our award-winning local news, weather and sports.”

Philip Martzolf, President of NBC Affiliate Relations, added, “TEGNA continues to be an important partner to NBC, bringing our loved, must-see programming to top markets across the United States. This renewal comes at the perfect time as NBC returns to primetime with midseason programming this week, as well as prepares for two of TV’s biggest moments in the election and Summer Olympics later this year.”

The agreement includes renewals for WXIA in Atlanta, Ga.; KPNX/KNAZ in Phoenix, Ariz.; KING in Seattle, Wash.; KARE in Minneapolis, Minn.; KUSA in Denver, Colo.; WKYC in Cleveland, Ohio; KGW in Portland, Ore.; WCNC in Charlotte, N.C.; KSDK in St. Louis, Mo.; WTHR in Indianapolis, Ind.; WTLV in Jacksonville, Fla.; WGRZ in Buffalo, N.Y.; WBIR in Knoxville, Tenn.; WCSH in Portland, Maine; KCEN/KAGS in Waco, Texas; KTVB in Boise, Idaho, along with KTFT in Twin Falls, Idaho; KWES in Odessa-Midland, Texas; KBMT in Beaumont, Texas; and WLBZ in Bangor, Maine.