Telemundo Expands Soccer Coverage Beyond the World Cup
Telemundo’s commitment to premier soccer extends well beyond the World Cup final, as the network has announced an exciting new agreement.
The company has secured the Spanish-language broadcast rights to all UEFA men’s club competitions in the United States for three seasons, starting from 2027 through 2028. This landmark acquisition will enable Telemundo to broadcast every match of the Champions League—regarded as the pinnacle of club soccer—across NBCUniversal’s diverse streaming and digital platforms, including Peacock, Universo, and Telemundo Deportes Ahora, the company’s free, ad-supported television channel.
This comprehensive package also encompasses the Spanish-language rights to UEFA’s Europa League, Conference League, and Super Cup. As the parent organization of NBC News and Telemundo, NBCUniversal’s involvement underscores the strategic importance of this deal.
Cesar Conde, Chairman of NBCUniversal News Group, emphasized the need to maintain momentum following record viewership during the World Cup. He highlighted that the ongoing Champions League provides a natural progression for audiences who became acquainted with star players during the tournament.
The appeal goes beyond viewership statistics; Conde remarked that premium soccer offers a unique global experience that fosters connection among diverse communities. He noted the significance of sports in transcending cultural and linguistic barriers, implying that soccer could play a vital role in this new media landscape.
Luis Fernandez, Chairman of NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises, affirmed the network’s strategic focus on live broadcasting. He indicated that soccer’s appeal is especially broad and compelling, motivating Telemundo to invest heavily in the sport. Recently, the network announced plans to air over 100 games each season from Germany’s Bundesliga, complementing its existing broadcasts of the Premier League, Olympics, and U.S. national team matches.
Fernandez observed that the World Cup has illustrated the critical importance of soccer to U.S. audiences. He identified the World Cup and the Champions League as the two most significant brands in global soccer, reflecting the intense fan passion and engagement that these events inspire.
This agreement arrives at a time when interest in soccer is surging within the United States. According to Telemundo, the network averaged 6 million viewers leading up to the semifinals, an impressive 147% increase from the 2022 World Cup figures. Additionally, the Round of 16 match between the U.S. and another national team attracted a staggering 50 million viewers across various platforms, marking it as the most-watched non-NFL sporting event of the century.
Viewership numbers remained robust even after the U.S. team’s exit from the tournament. The semi-final match between Argentina and England saw 11.4 million viewers on Telemundo and Peacock, setting a new record for Spanish-language media. Similarly, Spain’s victory over France garnered 9.8 million spectators.
Telemundo’s reach extends to 96% of U.S. Hispanic television households, and the network is gaining traction beyond Spanish-speaking audiences. Conde pointed out that an increasing number of fans are choosing to engage with premium soccer based on credibility and overall experience, rather than language alone. This shift indicates a growing trend in how audiences consume soccer and reflects a profound connection to the sport that transcends traditional barriers.
Alexander Ceferin, UEFA president and chairman of UC3, which handles UEFA’s media rights, lauded the partnership, recognizing it as a testament to the competition’s strength and the enthusiasm of Spanish-speaking fans in the U.S.
