TelevisaUnivision brings Major League Baseball to Spanish-language TV
A new era for baseball fans
In a groundbreaking move, TelevisaUnivision has secured exclusive Spanish-language broadcasting rights for Major League Baseball (MLB) in the United States. This partnership marks a significant milestone, as it will be the first time the World Series is aired on over-the-air Spanish-language broadcast TV.
Expanding the reach of baseball
Starting in 2024, TelevisaUnivision will broadcast the American League Division Series and the American League Championship Series on UniMás, with select games also airing on Univision and TUDN. Additionally, Game 1 of the 2024 World Series will be simulcast on Univision, in collaboration with Fox Sports and Fox Deportes. These games will also be available on the premium tier of ViX, TelevisaUnivision’s streaming service.
Kenny Gersh, MLB’s executive vice president of media and business, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, highlighting the opportunity to connect with the Spanish-speaking fanbase. “Communicating authentically with our robust Spanish-speaking fanbase is a priority for Baseball,” Gersh stated. “This partnership will allow us to connect them more directly to our brand, our clubs, and the growing number of dynamic Latino stars represented in the game today.”
A growing interest in U.S. sports
TelevisaUnivision has shown a renewed interest in U.S. sports recently. Earlier this year, the media giant secured the U.S. rights to broadcast a Spanish-language version of the Super Bowl. The company, formed through a merger between Univision Holdings and Grupo Televisa, already airs hundreds of hours of soccer, making this new venture into baseball a natural progression.
Weekly programming for baseball enthusiasts
Baseball fans won’t have to wait until the postseason to enjoy the action. Starting August 20, UniMás will air a weekly two-hour program called “MLB En Vivo,” featuring live look-ins, highlights, and recaps of up to 15 games every Tuesday for the remainder of the regular season. Additionally, “MLB Esta Semana,” a weekly MLB-focused show, will air on UniMás in the U.S. every Saturday and on TUDN in Mexico.
These programs will also be available on ViX, with hosts Antonio de Valdés and Enrique Burak providing in-depth analysis and commentary. Marco Liceaga, TelevisaUnivision’s senior vice president of sports rights acquisitions and commercial partnerships, emphasized the cultural significance of baseball in Latin America. “Baseball is ingrained in Latin culture,” Liceaga said. “With Hispanic players making up more than 30% of the league, this first-time partnership deal will undoubtedly bring a new wave of pride, influence, and sense of community.”
A deeper connection with the audience
TelevisaUnivision has long been MLB’s official national Spanish-language audio partner in the U.S. and Puerto Rico. TUDN Radio broadcasts each Sunday Night game of the week, July 4 games, the MLB All-Star Game, Labor Day games, the MLB Postseason, and the World Series. This new partnership will further deepen the connection between MLB and its Spanish-speaking audience, providing comprehensive coverage and bringing the excitement of baseball to a broader audience.
Personal reflections for sports enthusiasts
As a lifelong baseball fan, I find this partnership incredibly exciting. The inclusion of Spanish-language broadcasts will undoubtedly make the sport more accessible to a wider audience, fostering a deeper appreciation for the game. The presence of Latino stars in MLB has always been significant, and this partnership will shine a spotlight on their contributions, inspiring the next generation of players and fans.
For those who have yet to experience the thrill of baseball, this is the perfect opportunity to dive in. The weekly programming on UniMás and TUDN will provide a comprehensive overview of the season, making it easy for newcomers to follow along and become invested in the sport. The availability of these programs on ViX ensures that fans can catch the action anytime, anywhere.
this partnership between TelevisaUnivision and MLB is a win-win for both organizations and, more importantly, for the fans. It represents a significant step forward in making baseball more inclusive and accessible, celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the sport and its players. Whether you’re a seasoned fan or new to the game, there’s never been a better time to embrace the excitement of Major League Baseball.
For more information on the upcoming MLB broadcasts, visit TelevisaUnivision.