MLS is bound for Brazil.
Major League Soccer announced Friday that it has partnered with Brazilian broadcaster Globosat, Latin America’s biggest pay-TV operator, to televise league matches live in Brazil. A four-year deal has been agreed, marking the first time the Rio de Janeiro-based cable and satellite provider will have MLS broadcast rights.
The agreement will see Globosat televise at least two MLS regular-season matches per week, as well as the AT&T MLS All-Star Game, at least one Decision Day match, half of the MLS Cup Playoffs games and MLS Cup, in alternating years on Globosat networks SporTV 1, SporTV 2 and SporTV 3. In addition, Globosat will carry games, features and other content across its digital platforms.
This groundbreaking partnership amplifies MLS’ exposure across South America’s most populated country in conjunction with the current agreement with ESPN Brasil, a rights holder incorporated into ESPN’s MLS domestic agreement.
"This new agreement with Globosat is further illustration of the growing demand for Major League Soccer in the global media rights marketplace. With Flavio Augusto da Silva's ownership of Orlando City SC and with over 15 Brazilian players in MLS, including Kaká, there is clearly an increased desire for MLS content in Brazil," said Gary Stevenson, President and Managing Director, MLS Business Ventures in a statement. "We are excited to be partnered with such a powerful brand in Globosat and are confident that together we will create even greater awareness for the sport, our clubs and our stars.”
MLS will also retain the rights to one game per week for free-to-air TV (FTA TV), allowing for unprecedented coverage in Brazil. With Orlando City SC captain and Brazilian legend Kaká and three-time MLS Cup champion Juninho of the LA Galaxy leading the already-established contingent of Brazilian players in the League, Globosat will be a consistent destination for MLS fans in Brazil to follow the fortunes of their acclaimed compatriots.
The deal was negotiated with MLS’ new global media rights agent, IMG, as part of a continued focus to bring MLS to more fans around the world.
