ESPN Inc » 2021 - 2029
The Walt Disney Company’s sports network ESPN has acquired exclusive rights to the Spanish La Liga in the USA. ESPN’s eight-year deal gives it full access to La Liga’s English- and Spanish-language rights in America through 2029. Signed prior to the 2021/22 season, ESPN’s record-breaking agreement was reported to be worth $175 million per year, totaling about $1,4 billion. Live La Liga matches in USA are expected to be televised on linear ESPN networks, including the flagship ESPN channel and ESPN Deportes, as well as on ABC.
All fixtures are to be aired in high definition both on TV and digital platforms. Detailed match highlights along with analysis and studio programs such as SportsCenter and Fuera de Juego will continuously enrich the viewers experience, every season. This is in addition to game previews, half-time talks, postgame and magazine shows. La Liga content will additionally be distributed on ESPN’s social media pages in USA. Naturally, every La Liga game shown on ESPN will be accessible via partner streaming services in America.
2023-24 season update:
ESPN and LaLiga embark on their third consecutive year of collaboration for the 2023-24 football season. As part of the comprehensive coverage strategy, the network is introducing "La Peña de LALIGA" on ESPN Deportes. This program is tailored to provide an in-depth perspective on the league, offering analyses, debates, and insights featuring notable figures such as Hugo Sanchez and Mario Kempes. On the digital side, ESPN's strategy encompasses a team of reporters based in Spain, ensuring timely coverage of major teams, including FC Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Atlético de Madrid. ESPN has outlined an extensive social media strategy to supplement the broadcast and digital coverage, providing real-time updates and exclusive content across platforms.