Telemundo Deportes
In 1987, a new division called Deportes Telemundo launched its first broadcast. It began by securing rights to soccer matches from the Mexican Primera División. This league is now known as Liga MX. The division focused exclusively on these Mexican teams during its early years. A specific agreement allowed them to air select games from that league. This move established their foundation in Spanish-language sports broadcasting. The organization operated independently before any major corporate changes occurred.
On the 11th of October 2001, NBC purchased the Telemundo Communications Group for $2.7 billion. Following this acquisition, Deportes Telemundo began integrating into NBC Sports structures. They maintained separate programming rights from the main NBC network and sister cable channels. On the 20th of August 2002, Telemundo signed a three-year deal with the National Basketball Association. This agreement covered 15 NBA regular season games and up to ten WNBA games. The partnership ended after the 2004, 05 season when neither side renewed the contract. NBC had lost rights to the Mexican league itself to ABC that same year.
The division secured significant broadcast rights over time. On the 28th of October 2011, they acquired Spanish language rights to FIFA tournaments starting in 2015. This deal cost around $600 million. It replaced Univision as the primary Spanish broadcaster since 1970. Fox held the English language U.S. rights through a separate agreement. A the 12th of February 2015 extension added rights for the 2018, 2022, and 2026 FIFA World Cups. In 2013, NBC announced a three-year, $250 million deal for Premier League matches. This gave Telemundo and mun2 Spanish language rights beginning with the 2013, 14 season. They replaced ESPN and Fox Soccer as the league's U.S. broadcasters.
On the 16th of May 2015, during an upfront presentation in New York City, officials announced Deportes Telemundo would be replaced by NBC Deportes. The new division became a branch of the English-language NBC Sports division. Operations were planned to migrate from Hialeah, Florida, to Stamford, Connecticut. Around 70 employees received offers to relocate or take severance packages. Most positions based in Hialeah offices were eliminated except for digital staff and late-night program teams. The move to Stamford was cancelled in November 2015. The division changed its name back to Telemundo Deportes in 2016. It eventually moved into the Telemundo Center in Miami when that facility opened in April 2018.
Telemundo Deportes holds broadcast rights to several major sporting events today. They air American football including Sunday Night Football from 2014 to present. Super Bowl rights are held by NBC since 2014. Basketball coverage includes NBA en Telemundo starting in 2003 and returning in 2025. WNBA games follow a similar pattern with returns scheduled for 2026. Soccer programming features Premier League matches from 2013 onward. Liga MX home matches for specific teams like Chivas Guadalajara began airing in 2020. FIFA tournaments include U-17 World Cups in 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2023. Summer Olympic Games have been covered since 2004 through future years up to 2032. Boxing programs like Boxeo Telemundo run continuously from 1987 to present.
The division employs numerous play-by-play announcers who shape its on-air identity. Andrés Cantor serves as the lead commentator for many broadcasts. Other voices include Copán Álvarez, Luis Omar Tapia, and Jorge D. Calvo. José Luis López Salido and Diego Pessolano also contribute to the team. Color commentators such as Tab Ramos and Omar Zerón provide analysis during games. Reporters like Diego Arrioja and Manuel Sánchez cover events from the field. Studio hosts including Miguel Gurwitz and Verónica Rodríguez anchor studio segments. Former talent includes Félix de Jesús and Erasmo Provenza who worked with the organization before leaving. These individuals represent a wide range of expertise across different sports disciplines.
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Common questions
When did Deportes Telemundo launch its first broadcast?
Deportes Telemundo launched its first broadcast in 1987. The division began by securing rights to soccer matches from the Mexican Primera División, which is now known as Liga MX.
Who purchased the Telemundo Communications Group on the 11th of October 2001?
NBC purchased the Telemundo Communications Group for $2.7 billion on the 11th of October 2001. Following this acquisition, Deportes Telemundo began integrating into NBC Sports structures while maintaining separate programming rights.
What Spanish language rights did Telemundo acquire on the 28th of October 2011?
Telemundo acquired Spanish language rights to FIFA tournaments starting in 2015 on the 28th of October 2011. This deal cost around $600 million and replaced Univision as the primary Spanish broadcaster since 1970.
Why was Deportes Telemundo renamed back to Telemundo Deportes in 2016?
The division changed its name back to Telemundo Deportes in 2016 after being temporarily replaced by NBC Deportes in May 2015. Operations were originally planned to migrate from Hialeah, Florida, to Stamford, Connecticut, but that move was cancelled in November 2015.
Which major sporting events does Telemundo Deportes hold broadcast rights to today?
Telemundo Deportes holds broadcast rights to American football including Sunday Night Football from 2014 to present. The division also airs Super Bowl games since 2014, NBA basketball starting in 2003, Premier League matches from 2013 onward, and Summer Olympic Games from 2004 through 2032.