The U.S. Soccer Federation struck a four-year, Spanish-language multimedia rights deal
The GIST: The U.S. Soccer Federation (USSF) is scoring more screen time than ever. Yesterday, the governing body struck a four-year, Spanish-language multimedia rights deal with Telemundo to make all USWNT and USMNT matches available domestically in English and Spanish for the first time.
The details: Telemundo will show national team friendlies, the SheBelieves Cup and other key games across linear and digital platforms, including NBC’s Peacock. The broadcaster also plans to create original content and ancillary programming around special events, including this year’s Women’s World Cup and the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
- The new agreement significantly upgrades Spanish-language coverage of the USWNT— the USSF’s previous deal with Univision Deportes guaranteed air time for all USMNT matches, but only a minimum of four USWNT fixtures annually.
- Telemundo’s coverage, which kicked off with last night’s USWNT friendly against New Zealand, is a perfect addition to the company’s existing portfolio — it already holds the rights to the women’s and men’s World Cups and the Olympics. A well-earned three points.
The context: This is the first Spanish-language contract negotiated by the USSF since cutting ties with Soccer United Marketing and moving deal-making efforts in-house. USSF CCO David Wright describes the body’s strategy as a four-legged “media stool,” with the Telemundo agreement serving as the second leg.
- The other three? The USSF’s English-language deal with Warner Bros. Discovery Sports (also beginning last night), radio agreements and international rights.
Zooming out: There’s no better time than a women’s World Cup year to improve USWNT coverage and doing so in Spanish increases accessibility for a fervent soccer fanbase of native speakers (and those who prefer to opt out of Fox’s English-language broadcasts).
- The USWNT’s appeal to female sports fans means Telemundo could reach an important audience. In a 2022 study, the broadcaster identified Hispanic women as an untapped opportunity after finding that 20% call themselves soccer superfans, compared to 10% of non-Hispanic men and 8% of non-Hispanic women. Inclusion FTW.
