Executive Voice: First-Ever LaLiga Season on ESPN+ and ESPN Networks Kicks Off Today, Aug. 13
As the LaLiga season kicks off today, we and La Liga North America are also beginning our historic, new long-term agreement – and we are excited for coverage of one of the world’s most exciting sports leagues across ESPN+, our television networks, and digital and social media platforms.
LaLiga’s 2021-22 season-opening weekend spans four days, starting today at 2:30 p.m. ET on ESPN+ with Valencia CF vs. Getafe CF, through Monday, Aug. 16. ESPN+ will feature 10 matches streaming live in English and Spanish, and on Sunday, Aug. 15, a LaLiga match will air for the first time ever on broadcast television in the U.S. when FC Barcelona hosts Real Sociedad at Camp Nou in Barcelona live on ABC beginning with a 30-minute pregame show at 1:30 p.m.
Our agreement includes exclusive coverage – in both English and Spanish – in the U.S. through the 2028-’29 season. It makes ESPN+ the exclusive home for hundreds of live matches each season from LaLiga Santander and LaLiga SmartBank and cements ESPN+ as the premier platform for soccer in the United States, with select matches throughout each season on ABC and ESPN Networks.
We will surround live match coverage with a variety of programming, including match previews, highlights, and magazine shows. We’ll cover LaLiga on signature ESPN+ shows in both English and Spanish, including ESPN FC, Jorge Ramos y su Banda, and Fuera de Juego. On our linear networks, coverage will be part of programs such as SportsCenter, SportsCenter en espãnol, Fútbol Center, and more.
Our award-winning production team has assembled some of the sport’s best minds to serve as analysts, including 1978 FIFA World Cup Champion Mario Kempes, 2020 FIFA World Cup best player Diego Forlán, Mexican legend Hugo Sánchez, former England international Steve McManaman, former Argentina international Pablo Zabaleta, and former Spain National Team player Luís Garcia – all former LaLiga players.
This agreement creates a true home for LaLiga in the U.S. for years to come and cements ESPN+ as the premier platform for soccer. We’re excited to showcase the brilliance of LaLiga in its 91st season – its first on ESPN and our networks.
For more LaLiga information, visit ESPN Press Room
