Telemundo Secures UEFA Broadcast Rights for Upcoming Seasons

Washington DC, United States Jul 19, 2026 ALN: Telemundo’s coverage of elite global soccer won’t end after the World Cup final, as the network has recently secured an important new agreement that will significantly enhance its sports programming. The company announced it has acquired the Spanish-language broadcast rights in the United States for all UEFA men’s club competitions for three seasons, beginning in the 2027-28 season. This deal marks a pivotal moment in Telemundo’s ongoing commitment to providing extensive soccer coverage, further solidifying its position as a leader in sports broadcasting.

The agreement will bring live coverage of every match in the UEFA Champions League, which is widely regarded as the most prestigious club competition in the world of soccer. This includes not only the Champions League but also the UEFA Europa League, the UEFA Conference League, and the UEFA Super Cup. Such a comprehensive package will be available across all of NBCUniversal’s broadcast, streaming, and digital platforms, including Peacock, Universo, and Telemundo Deportes Ahora, which is Telemundo's free, ad-supported television channel. This multi-platform approach is indicative of the growing trend in media consumption, where audiences increasingly seek flexibility in how they access content.

The acquisition of these rights comes in the wake of record audiences for Telemundo during the recent World Cup, prompting executives to consider how to maintain and build upon this heightened interest in soccer in the United States. Cesar Conde, the chairman of NBCUniversal News Group, noted that the Champions League was a natural fit to continue engaging the American audience that had been revealed during the World Cup. He emphasized that the World Cup did not create an American soccer audience but rather revealed its existence, highlighting the increasing popularity of soccer across diverse demographics in the U.S.

Conde stated, "Premium soccer is just one of those truly global experiences that’s leapt out in the media ecosystem, and it brings people together from different backgrounds, different cultures and different languages, and for something to be able to transcend all of that is very powerful in this current media ecosystem." This sentiment underscores the cultural significance of soccer as a unifying force, particularly in a country as diverse as the United States.

Luis Fernández, chairman of NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises, echoed this sentiment by outlining the overarching strategy of Telemundo, which he described as being centered around “live TV, live TV, live TV.” He articulated that within the realm of live television, soccer holds a unique appeal that is broad and compelling, making it a cornerstone of Telemundo’s sports programming. The company has made substantial investments in soccer, which is evident in its recent announcement to carry over 100 matches per season from Germany’s Bundesliga. Additionally, Telemundo already holds Spanish-language broadcast rights for other major sporting events, including the Premier League, the Olympics, U.S. men’s and women’s national team matches, and Liga MX clubs such as Guadalajara, FC Juárez, and Tigres UANL.

Fernández pointed out the significance of soccer to the U.S. audience, asserting, “If you ask what is the most important franchise brand sports rights in football and soccer, there are only two names: World Cup for the national teams and Champions League for the most important clubs in the world.” This highlights the dual significance of these events in the sports landscape and their appeal to fans across the globe.

The timing of this deal is particularly noteworthy, as viewership for soccer in the U.S. has surged in recent years. According to Telemundo, its coverage of the World Cup averaged a total audience of 6 million through the semifinals, representing a remarkable increase of 147% over the same stage of the 2022 World Cup. Additionally, a record audience of 50 million viewers tuned in to watch the U.S. match in the World Cup’s round of 16, making it the most-watched non-NFL sporting event in the United States this century. Even after the U.S. team was eliminated from the tournament, viewership continued to break records, with a total audience of 11.4 million watching Argentina's victory over England, marking it as the most-watched semifinal in Spanish-language media history. Another notable match, Spain’s win over France, attracted an audience of 9.8 million viewers.

Telemundo's reach is significant, as the network claims to connect with 96% of U.S. Hispanic TV households. However, the audience for its World Cup broadcasts has not been limited to Spanish speakers alone. Notably, Telemundo’s broadcasts attracted over half of the total audience for some matches, including the thrilling round of 16 encounter between England and Mexico. This trend indicates a growing crossover appeal of soccer, transcending language barriers and attracting a broader audience.

Conde observed an interesting dynamic during the World Cup, noting that fans increasingly choose to consume premium soccer based on factors beyond language. He remarked, “They’re choosing it based on authenticity and the experience that they want to get out of the events.” This insight highlights the evolving nature of sports viewership and the importance of authentic coverage of global sporting events like soccer. The ability of soccer to transcend language, demographics, and cultures reinforces its status as a universal sport that resonates with fans around the world.

Aleksander Čeferin, the UEFA president and chair of the board of UC3, which manages UEFA’s media rights globally through its agency Relevent, commented on the significance of the agreement with Telemundo. He stated that the “agreement with Telemundo reflects both the strength of our competitions and the passion of Spanish-speaking fans in the United States.” This acknowledgment from UEFA further emphasizes the importance of the U.S. market for soccer and the growing engagement of Hispanic audiences with the sport.

The implications of this deal extend beyond just viewership numbers. By securing the rights to such prestigious competitions, Telemundo is positioning itself to be a key player in the sports broadcasting landscape, particularly as soccer continues to grow in popularity in the U.S. This move not only enhances Telemundo's programming but also contributes to the broader narrative of soccer's increasing prominence in American sports culture. As the network prepares for the 2027-28 season and beyond, it will be interesting to see how this agreement shapes the future of soccer broadcasting in the U.S. and how it influences the viewing habits of American audiences.