ESPN picks up English-language rights to Mexico matches

US cable-television sports broadcaster ESPN has acquired English-language rights for the Mexico national football team’s home matches.

The agreement comprises 20 games in 2013 and 2014, including Mexico’s qualifiers for the 2014 Fifa World Cup.

ESPN struck the deal with US Spanish-language broadcaster Univision, which has retained rights to Spanish-language coverage of Mexico’s home games.

The rights cover all media platforms.

ESPN senior vice-president Scott Guglielmino said that the Mexico team had “attracted a passionate, loyal fan base not only in Mexico but throughout the US.”

ESPN already has rights to home World Cup qualifying games for the US national team.