ESPN Deportes’ new weekly show “La Peña de LALIGA” celebrates fans’ passion for another season of world class soccer
Debuting today at 12:25 p.m. ET before the LALIGA season opens, "the show will look ahead to the key games and storylines of the weekend by providing in-depth analysis, heated debates, unique stats, and “insider” information . . . " Here's a preview
Today, ESPN Deportes will launch La Peña de LALIGA, the definitive studio program for Spanish-speaking LALIGA™ fans in the United States. The new one-hour program will kick off the third season of LALIGA on The Walt Disney Company media platforms.
Derived from the Spanish word for an affinity group, “the club,” La Peña de LALIGA will showcase the shared experiences of a community united by their passion and pride for LALIGA and its affiliated clubs. The program extends ESPN’s commitment to bring fans closer to the culture, pageantry, and passion of all LALIGA clubs.
Cristina Alexander will host each in-season Friday, joined by a roster of Spain-based ESPN LALIGA reporters, analysts – former players – and top global soccer journalists. Ahead of the first show today at 12:25 p.m. ET, Coordinating Producer Ignacio Garcia discussed the origin of and vision for the program with Front Row:
What is the reason for the name?
The show’s name speaks to the idea of being part of a group dedicated to supporting and celebrating LALIGA, and conveys a sense of community, knowledge, and enthusiasm that fosters unity and even more passion. “La Peña” is also an excellent representation of the diversity in front and behind the camera. The show will utilize a studio in Bristol, the production and technical team distributed between Miami, Mexico City, and Los Angeles, and front-facing talent in the U.S., Spain, and Mexico.
¡REGRESA LALIGA!
¿Quién será campeón? ¿Quién será una decepción? 🧐 @Alexparella 👈 pic.twitter.com/1pBUhDSkfk
— ESPN Deportes (@ESPNDeportes) August 11, 2023
What was the thinking behind the look and feel of La Peña?
La Peña de LaLiga captures the unique vision of the new LaLiga look, incorporating visual cues like color palettes, typography, keywords, and “secret codes” while giving a unique twist that aligns with ESPN’s approach to covering the sport. The color palette is vibrant, modern bold, and speaks to engaging with young audiences while also serving contemporary viewers.
(Melissa Rawlins/ESPN Images)
Why La Peña de LALIGA?
The show will provide U.S.-based LALIGA fans with a community. It’s a natural step forward to leverage ESPN’s premium soccer property like LALIGA while expanding our audience and growing consumption. The show will look ahead to the key games and storylines of the weekend by providing in-depth analysis, heated debates, unique stats, and “insider” information, leveraging ESPN talent’s unique access, and partnering with LaLiga North America.
In the video above, Alexander shares her thoughts as “La Peña de LALIGA” host
Spencer T. Jackson and Alexander produced the video. For more information on ESPN’s multi-platform coverage of LALIGA, visit ESPN Press Room
