US sports broadcaster ESPN has acquired exclusive Spanish-language rights for the 2013 and 2017 editions of the World Baseball Classic national team tournament.
ESPN’s agreement with the competition’s operator, World Baseball Classic, Inc., includes extensive coverage across the broadcaster’s television and digital platforms.
Under the agreement, the ESPN Deportes channel will provide live coverage of all 39 games plus highlights during the 2013 and 2017 World Baseball Classic events. The deal also includes exclusive Spanish–language rights for qualifying games ahead of the 2017 edition.
ESPN will be able to simulcast the programming on its other channels and platforms.
Lino Garcia, general manager of ESPN Deportes, said: “Baseball is one of the most followed sports among the US Hispanic market and the success of the 2006 and 2009 tournaments on ESPN Deportes proved this is a must-see event for these emerging, passionate fans.”
The 2013 event will run from March 2-19.