Telemundo Extends Deal With Top Mexican Soccer League Clubs

Telemundo has netted an extension of its rights deal to broadcast all of the home matches of six premiere clubs in Mexico's top soccer circuit.

The Spanish-language broadcaster, which originally secured the rights in 2008, now has inked a renewal for the 2010 season covering over 100 home matches to these top sides in Mexico's First Division Soccer League (Futbol Liga Mexicana). The deal, terms of which were not disclosed, also covers potential playoffs, semifinals and finals matches involving Atlas, Toluca, Monterrey (Rayados), Tigres, UNAM (Pumas) and Atlante.
Telemundo, which also holds the U.S. TV rights to the men's Mexican national team until the 2010 FIFA World Cup, is now the largest broadcaster of Mexican league games in the U.S., according to network officials.

"Our great soccer story continues. This deal is a strong affirmation of the great performance soccer has delivered on behalf of our network," said Telemundo president Don Browne in a statement. "The combination of the best soccer properties and the exceptional coverage from our Deportes Telemundo team makes us the premiere destination for Mexican soccer in the U.S. We are thrilled to go into next year with this successful partnership."
Telemundo has scored a 28% rise among adults 18 to 49 during its second season with Fubol Liga Mexicana. In May, the UNAM-Pachuca match delivered over 1 million adults 18 to 49, Telemundo's top performance with the circuit in 2009.