New alliances have been forged that will increase the Yu-Gi-Oh! franchise’s presence in Latin America. La Panadería Licensing & Marketing has been signed as a sub-agent in Mexico where the show is now airing on Televisa.
The deals were announced today by Kristen Gray, SVP of Operations, Business & Legal Affairs for Konami Cross Media NY, Inc., which manages the Yu-Gi-Oh! brand outside of Asia.
On March 16th Televisa’s Canal 5 in Mexico debuted Yu-Gi-Oh!, the series that started the phenomenon, with a pre-launch marathon. The series then officially launched on April 3rd.
Meanwhile, Citytv Bogotá began airing the series in early March of last year. Citytv secured 52 half-hour episodes of the first season of Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D’s, which centers on the sprawling metropolis of New Domino City now transformed into a futuristic society where dueling has kicked into overdrive.
“As the anime genre has consistently grown in popularity, the timing is right for the Yu-Gi-Oh! television series to return to broadcast and engage a new generation of fans throughout Latin America. After a long absence in the region, we are pleased to be in partnership with key players such as Panadería, Televisa, and Citytv to extend the franchise’s reach throughout the region,” said Gray.
Televisa has secured the full first season of Yu-Gi-Oh! (49 half-hour episodes).