March 25 – The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has renewed its media rights deal with ESPN for the 2025-2028 cycle, ensuring continued exclusive coverage of Asian football across South America and Central America, while also holding non-exclusive rights in the Caribbean.
The agreement, with a currently undisclosed valuation, covers several of the top AFC competitions, including the AFC Asian Qualifiers, AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027, AFC Champions League Elite, and AFC Champions League Two. Matches will be available on ESPN’s platforms, including ESPN on Disney+, extending Asian football’s reach to over 40 million homes in the region.
ESPN, which has aired AFC competitions since 1989 in South America and 2007 in the Caribbean, adds this renewal to its extensive sports portfolio. The deal reinforces the AFC’s commitment to expanding its global footprint and making Asian football more accessible to international audiences.
AFC General Secretary Datuk Seri Windsor John said: “The AFC is delighted to renew our media partnership with ESPN, who have been strong supporters of Asian football and played a key role in expanding the reach of our competitions well beyond the borders of our Continent.
“This deal demonstrates the remarkable appeal and stature of the AFC’s world-class competitions, and we thank ESPN for its firm belief in the future of Asian football.”
Michael Walters, VP Programming & Acquisitions ESPN International, said: “At ESPN, our main goal is to serve the sports fan with a vast array of sporting events and our experts’ analysis.
“We’re thrilled to renew this agreement, so that audiences in Latin America, Central America and the Caribbean can continue to enjoy the AFC’s competitions in real time through ESPN’s linear channels and Disney+.”
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1742938872labto1742938872ofdlr1742938872owedi1742938872sni@g1742938872niwe.1742938872yrrah1742938872
