March 25 – The Asian Soccer Confederation (AFC) has renewed its media rights cope with ESPN for the 2025-2028 cycle, making certain continued unique protection of Asian soccer throughout South America and Central America, whereas additionally holding non-exclusive rights within the Caribbean.
The settlement, with a at present undisclosed valuation, covers a number of of the highest AFC competitions, together with the AFC Asian Qualifiers, AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027, AFC Champions League Elite, and AFC Champions League Two. Matches might be obtainable on ESPN’s platforms, together with ESPN on Disney+, extending Asian soccer’s attain to over 40 million houses within the area.
ESPN, which has aired AFC competitions since 1989 in South America and 2007 within the Caribbean, provides this renewal to its in depth sports activities portfolio. The deal reinforces the AFC’s dedication to increasing its world footprint and making Asian soccer extra accessible to worldwide audiences.
AFC Basic Secretary Datuk Seri Windsor John mentioned: “The AFC is delighted to resume our media partnership with ESPN, who’ve been sturdy supporters of Asian soccer and performed a key position in increasing the attain of our competitions nicely past the borders of our Continent.
“This deal demonstrates the exceptional enchantment and stature of the AFC’s world-class competitions, and we thank ESPN for its agency perception in the way forward for Asian soccer.”
Michael Walters, VP Programming & Acquisitions ESPN Worldwide, mentioned: “At ESPN, our essential purpose is to serve the sports activities fan with an unlimited array of sporting occasions and our specialists’ evaluation.
“We’re thrilled to resume this settlement, in order that audiences in Latin America, Central America and the Caribbean can proceed to benefit from the AFC’s competitions in actual time by way of ESPN’s linear channels and Disney+.”
Contact the author of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1742914563labto1742914563ofdlr1742914563owedi1742914563sni@g1742914563niwe.1742914563yrrah1742914563