NBCUniversal could conduct some client operations for Pyeongchang 2018 in the United States ©NBCUniversal

NBCUniversal, which holds United States broadcasting rights to the Olympic Games, may conduct some of its Pyeongchang 2018 client entertainment operations in America rather than South Korea because of potential security concerns, it has been reported.  

According to the Wall Street Journal, NBCUniversal may shift functions away from the site of the Games themselves because of clients' concerns.

The newspaper reported that Linda Yaccarino, NBCUniversal's head of ad sales, had said the network was exploring sending ad buyers and clients to Jackson Hole, Wyoming or another location instead of South Korea because of clients' potential security concerns.

Tensions on the divided peninsula have been running particularly high in recent months, as the countdown to the Winter Olympics and Paralympics, which are scheduled to begin on February 9, continues.

Missile tests by North Korea have increased tensions in the region ©Getty Images
Missile tests by North Korea have increased tensions in the region ©Getty Images

The secretive North Korean regime has conducted a number of missile tests in recent times, causing disquiet in the region and prompting calls for stronger sanctions.

The US broadcaster is one of the International Olympic Committee's key partners, having agreed three years ago to pay $7.65 billion (£6 billion/€6.8 billion) for US rights to the Games over 12 years up to and including 2032.

It now looks all but certain that the US will host at least one of the events covered by the deal.

insidethegames has attempted to contact NBCUniversal for comment.