ESPN has reached a multi-year agreement for exclusive rights to the Emirates FA Cup, the oldest and longest-running domestic cup competition in soccer. The agreement grants ESPN exclusive rights across Latin America (Spanish-speaking), the Caribbean and Australia, effective from 2019.
The agreement will bring 79 Emirates FA Cup matches – beginning with First Round and running through the Finals – to ESPN platforms in Latin America, the Caribbean, and Australia. Emirates FA Cup matches will air live on ESPN linear networks across Latin America and the Caribbean, including ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPN Caribbean, ESPN2 Caribbean and ESPN Play, ESPN’s multiscreen live and on-demand broadband service in the region.
“Adding such an iconic tournament to ESPN’s unparalleled soccer content reinforces the company’s steadfast commitment to serving fans across our international networks,” said Tim Bunnell, ESPN’s SVP of Programming.
Additional content will be featured across ESPN platforms, including Emirates FA Cup highlights and the FA Community Shield, the annual football match between Emirates FA Cup and Premier League titleholders to start the English football season, which is also part of the deal.