The 2025 Copa Libertadores may have concluded just three weeks ago, but CONMEBOL has already secured the competition’s broadcast future in new and existing markets.
The South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) have awarded broadcast rights to ESPN and Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) for the Copa Libertadores for a further three years.
From 2027 to 2030, ESPN will continue to broadcast the Copa Libertadores, while WBD digital platforms received rights to showcase live clips and highlights on social media platforms for the Copa Libertadores, Sudamericana and Recopa.
The rights cycle process for 2027-2030 identified ESPN as one of the companies that provided the “most advantageous proposals” according to the criteria established by CONMEBOL.
In Brazil, Globo will continue to broadcast the Copa Libertadores free-to-air, while ESPN will provide a pay-TV package and have obtained the rights to first choice of each game per matchweek.
Games on Globo will be streamed on its digital channel GE TV on YouTube, which launched this year.
“This process reaffirms CONMEBOL’s commitment to transparency, integrity and the constant search for improvements for our football,” said Alejandro Domínguez, President of CONMEBOL.
“The winning proposals will ensure that our competitions continue to grow inside and outside the continent, bringing fans even closer and valuing South American football.”
Added exposure across South America
The next broadcast rights cycle agreement comes as Flamengo beat Palmeiras to become the 2025 Copa Libertadores champions on November 29.
CONEMBOL noted the latest rights cycle was the “most competitive bidding process in its history”.
This enabled WBD to obtain broadcast rights for CONMEBOL competitions across different South American countries, such as Colombia and Peru, while Ecuavisa provided free-to-air coverage in Ecuador.
Also a part of WBD’s package is the distribution of highlights and live clips on HBO Max, as well as other WBD social media platforms.
Outside of South America, ESPN also obtained rights to broadcast the Copa Libertadores in Mexico and Central America and Caribbean markets, such as Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago.
CONMEBOL stated the expansion of its broadcast rights packages emphasises a goal to increase international viewership, strengthen participating clubs’ visibility and continue the development of South American football.
