ESPN Deportes Upfront Unveils Original Programming and Road to Brazil 2014; Introduces First Spanish-language second screen sports TV companion

NEW YORK, May 15, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- ESPN Deportes, the leading Spanish-language sports network, puts major focus on second screen and original programming during its Upfront presentation in New York City. The network also reinforces ESPN's total market approach in serving Hispanic sports fans and advertisers, and ESPN Deportes' unique positioning in the marketplace for Spanish-speaking fans.

ESPN Deportes enters Upfront season as the most-watched Spanish-language sports cable network for the fourth consecutive year since measured by Nielsen.  With the recent addition of more news and information content, ESPN Deportes now also leads the industry with the most live daily programming of any other Spanish-language sports network-- more than 17 live hours per day.

In 2014, the network will continue to deliver unparalleled content anytime, anywhere. At the presentation ESPN unveils more original programing focused on soccer, in anticipation of the World Cup; and introduces ESPN Sync, the soon-to-launch second screen experience for sports fans.

More Original Programming:

Road to Brazil 2014: Game around the Game

ESPN Deportes continues to be the number one news and information destination for fans. The network's soccer programming continues to post record audiences that rank in the top rated, most-watched Spanish-language soccer studio programming. In anticipation of the World Cup, ESPN Deportes will develop a unique lineup that will not only feature the brand's renowned news and information programming but also original content featuring the most compelling stories behind the world of soccer. Some include:

Destino Brasil: The pre- and post-match analysis dedicated to the World Cup Qualifying matches on the road to Brazil will continue to air on FIFA WCQ dates with the latest news and analysis around CONCACAF, CONMEBOL, UEFA Confederations and the Mexican National Team. ESPN Deportes will continue to air qualifying matches on every FIFA date primarily featuring UEFA teams including Spain, France, Italy, Portugal and Netherlands. The network will also continue presenting FIFA friendly matches.

Destino Futbol: A 16-episode documentary series uncovering the sport's most intricate stories. Featuring superstars of the past and present, the series profiles players like Lionel Messi, Chicharito and Diego Maradona, amongst others; and travels to countries all over the world, including Scotland, England, Brazil, Spain, Colombia and Argentina. As all eyes turn to the World Cup in 2014, Destino Futbol helps set the stage by telling the stories that are at the heart and soul of the sport.

Capitales del Futbol: After its successful first two seasons, and in anticipation of the World Cup, Capitales returns with profiles of some of the most popular soccer cities that have seen World Cup stars rise. The new edition of Capitales features London (England), Guadalajara (Mexico), Medellin (Colombia), Montevideo (Uruguay) and Rome (Italy). The series captures the world's passion for the sport and provides a cultural perspective of soccer while featuring notable stars from the sports and entertainment industry.

Gringos at the Gate: the first documentary that takes viewers inside the rivalry between Mexico and the U.S., tracing its origin and influence among the fans. Unveiling the power and influence that a 90-minute game can hold, the film travels to both countries to explore the rivalry through the eyes of the fans, players, coaches and soccer experts. Gringos at the Gate touches on the rise of U.S. soccer and its impact on Mexican fans, the rising opportunity for the sport in the U.S, and the influence the rivalry has on the evolving cultural identities and team loyalties of the growing Mexican-American population.

Dream Job: El Reportero: Returning for its third installment later this year, the nationwide casting tour will again give the opportunity to aspiring sportscasters across the nation to compete for a chance to serve as a reporter and join the ESPN Deportes staff traveling to Brazil in 2014. Driven by social media, the initiative will be supported by studio shows, the network's top soccer talent and ESPN Deportes Radio's local stations. 

ESPN Films -- More soccer films and shorts: In anticipation of the World Cup, the award-winning producers from ESPN Films will create a new limited series highlighting some of the most compelling stories around soccer. Produced as a singular collection of original films and short vignettes, the series will exemplify the essence of the game of soccer by being both tragic and uplifting. All content will be produced for Spanish, English and Portuguese audiences.

Live Sports Programming:

NBA Finals en Espanol

Starting this season, ESPN Deportes will televise the NBA Finals. This marks the first time that any Spanish-language cable network will offer live coverage of the championship games. According to the ESPN Deportes Sports Poll, 55% of Hispanic sports fans are NBA fans, ranking the sport in the top five most followed leagues by Hispanic fans. The 2012 NBA finals were proof of the continued growth of the Hispanic fan base; the games delivered record-breaking audiences on ABC that were boosted by the 12% Hispanic viewership (P2+).

More MLB Games Across ESPN Deportes Platforms

As part of ESPN's new multiplatform rights extension with MLB, ESPN Deportes and ESPN Deportes+, the ESPN3 broadband extension available on ESPNdeportes.com, will carry more games throughout the week, including Sunday, Monday and Wednesday night games starting next season. In addition, the network will televise Opening Night, a game from Opening Day, holiday games and the Home Run Derby.

Liga MX and Copa MX

ESPN Deportes recently acquired the rights to more Mexican soccer matches. Under the new agreement, the network now televises over 120 Liga MX and Copa MX matches through each season. In addition, both properties are also available on ESPN Deportes+, the ESPN3 broadband extension available on ESPNdeportes.com.

The current LigaMX playoffs (Liguilla) are scoring big for the network. The match between Cruz Azul vs. Monarcas that aired live on the network last Thursday, May 9, delivered a 4.0 Hispanic HH coverage rating and 383,000 viewers (P2+), making it the network's highest-rated, most-watched Liga MX match. Futbol Picante also continues to deliver the best coverage around the Mexican league. With the most renowned lineup of soccer experts, the show continues to be the highest-rated daily sports news and information program on Spanish-language cable year-to-date.

ESPN Sync

Second-Screen feature complements ESPN's multiplatform experience:

ESPN Deportes unveils ESPN Sync, the first Spanish-language web-based app that enhances sports consumption with a unique second-screen experience, accessible across multiple platforms. ESPN Sync delivers a rich, real-time interactive environment -- able to support a large audience -- for sports fans to interact with the brand, while they consume content across other platforms. ESPN Sync will launch later this year and will be available on any platform, iOS, Android or Windows without the need to download any supporting software.

ESPN Sync provides users with a real-time experience synchronized with live sports events, while also supporting ESPN Deportes' news and information shows before, during and after events. The interaction features live streams focusing on a live sports event, a timeline that allows users to interact synchronously with the event, and videos, polling/trivia, and access to stats and information available in numerous ways, all while connected to the social world.

ESPN Sync also offers second-screen functionalities that allow unique advertising integrations to further and better promote brands, products and services. In addition to regular digital assets, these functionalities allow ESPN Sync to connect linear TV advertising with the second screen experience, in real time. When an ad airs on television, it triggers the appropriate interactivity on ESPN Sync where users can engage with the brand.

SOURCE ESPN