In an unusual arrangement, Fox Corp. and NBCUniversal have cut a deal (with the full blessing and support of the NFL) to have Telemundo produce its own broadcast of Super Bowl LIX next February.The result will “provide the broadest Spanish-language distribution in the United States for any Super Bowl in history,” per the companies.The deal will see two completely separate Super Bowl LIX broadcasts next Feb. 9, one produced by Fox Deportes, and another produced by Telemundo Deportes. While the vast majority of viewers will be watching on Fox, the Spanish-language deal will significantly expand the reach of the alternative language broadcasts. It also gives NBCUniversal an opportunity to produce a Super Bowl (and sell some Super Bowl ads, albeit only for the Telemundo audience) during a year when it was not slated to.Telemundo has been able to leverage its sports prowess before, most recently last year with the FIFAS World Cup, where it held Spanish-language rights while Fox held English-language rights.The NFL, meanwhile, has been focused on expanding the game, and expanding the reach in Spanish is a part of that strategy. This year’s game, for example, simulcast on TelevisaUnivision even as the main broadcast ran on CBS.Telemundo previously broadcast the game in 2022, when sister network NBC had rights.“Delivering live NFL games in Spanish is key to reaching the large and rapidly growing Spanish-speaking NFL fan base,” said Hans Schroeder, NFL executive VP of media distribution. “We are constantly looking for ways to expand access to our games and reach more fans, and this partnership is another step forward. We are excited for the experience that FOX Deportes and Telemundo will create for Super Bowl LIX.”“We are thrilled to partner with FOX Deportes to bring yet another milestone Super Bowl presentation en español,” said Joaquin Duro, executive VP of sports for NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises. “This collaboration highlights the strength of our network and furthers our shared mission to expand the sport’s reach within the Latino community, ensuring Spanish-speaking fans have access to this premiere event.”“Since airing the first Super Bowl in U.S. Spanish-language history, FOX Deportes has been at the forefront of Spanish-language NFL coverage,” added Carlos Sanchez, executive VP and GM of Fox Deportes. “Both companies have played a pivotal role in the rapid growth of the league’s Hispanic fanbase and we are proud to collaborate with Telemundo to bring the Super Bowl to more Spanish-language viewers than ever before in a landmark moment for the league and its Spanish-language fans.”
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