Univision Deportes & ESPN to Expand Presence of Mexican Soccer in the U.S.

MIAMI: Univision Deportes and ESPN are working together to increase the reach of the Mexican National Soccer Team in the U.S.

ESPN’s English-language networks and digital platforms scored the media rights to Mexico’s home FIFA World Cup qualifying matches and international friendlies. The English-language coverage will complement Univision’s Spanish-language coverage of the Mexican team across its platforms. Univision Deportes and ESPN both have the U.S. media rights for all Mexico’s home matches, both qualifiers for the 2014 FIFA World Cup and international friendlies in Spanish and English, respectively.

“Univision Deportes is committed to expanding access to soccer properties in the U.S. across our platforms and with partnerships such as this one with ESPN,” said Juan Carlos Rodriguez, the president of Univision Deportes. “Bringing together the leading sports brand in Hispanic America with the leading sports entity in English-language media undoubtedly speaks to the growing popularity of soccer in the U.S. and underscores Univision’s commitment to grow soccer in the U.S.”
 
“The Mexican National Team plays an exciting brand of soccer that has attracted a passionate, loyal fan base not only in Mexico but throughout the U.S.,” added Scott Guglielmino, ESPN’s senior VP of programming. “As ESPN continues to build towards the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, this agreement represents an opportunity to add a premier soccer property that will appeal to all fans, including our growing Hispanic audience.”