ESPN Rolls Out HD Service in Brazil

NEW YORK: ESPN has launched its first branded high-definition service in Brazil on the SKY platform as part of a newly created ten-channel package.

Billed as the country’s first all-sports, 24-hour high-definition channel, ESPN HD Brazil will feature a range of key sporting events, including UEFA Champions League, the UEFA Cup, the Spanish League, the Italian League and MLS, as well the NBA, NFL, MLB, X Games, and an international version of SportsCenter. This is ESPN’s third branded channel in Brazil, following the launch of ESPN in 1989 and ESPN Brasil in 1995.

“The launch of ESPN HD Brazil reinforces our commitment to provide fans the best quality sports programming,” said Russell Wolff, the executive VP and managing director of ESPN International. “We launched our first HD service outside the U.S. last June in Australia and are now are pleased to offer fans in Brazil that same experience. ESPN HD and ESPN2 HD have been important drivers of HD growth in the U.S and continue to be among the most frequently watched HD services.”