ESPN acquires multimedia rights to top Spanish football matches

Spain: ESPN has acquired multimedia rights to two of Spain’s top football events: the Copa del Rey Final on April 20, and the Spanish Supercopa in August. ESPN Deportes, ESPN Deportes Radio and ESPN3.com will present live television, radio and online coverage of the events. The agreement brings a third Clasico to the ESPN platforms as Real Madrid and Barcelona confront each other at the Copa del Rey final. In addition, the Supercopa could potentially feature two more Clasicos as both teams continue to lead La Liga standings.

“We are thrilled to continue serving our soccer fans with top events from around the world,” said Eric Conrad, senior director of programming and acquisitions for ESPN Deportes. “With the Copa del Rey final adding a third Clasico this season, and a close, competitive season of La Liga that promises an exciting Supercopa, the timing is great to include these premier properties to the ESPN soccer programming line-up.”

According to the company, the addition of the Copa del Rey final and Supercopa, and a regular schedule of weekday matches of La Liga, reflect ESPN’s increasing commitment to Spanish soccer and other top-tier professional soccer leagues. Each Spanish soccer season, ESPN Deportes televises more than 110 league matches, delivering some of the highest ratings for the network. In addition, ESPN3.com streams more than 115 matches, including simulcast of all ESPN Deportes matches live in English.