Dallas Cup announces five-year broadcast deal with Univision Deportes

DALLAS, Texas (Via Dr Pepper Dallas Cup) – The Dr Pepper Dallas Cup, the oldest and most prestigious international youth soccer tournament in the United States, has reached a five-year broadcast agreement with Univision Deportes, the multimedia sports division of Univision Communications Inc. (UCI) that also includes UDN (Univision Deportes Network), the No. 1 Spanish-language sports network.

The new partnership marks the tournament’s first multi-year agreement with a national media company. Univision Deportes will broadcast select Gordon Jago Super Group matches, including the semi-finals and final of the elite bracket on UDN (Univision Deportes Network), the No. 1 Spanish-language cable sports network in America.

Additionally, as part of the agreement, Dallas Cup and Univision Deportes will jointly develop an elite U-14 tournament, which will mirror the U-19 Gordon Jago Super Group. The premier tournament will be played concurrently with Dr Pepper Dallas Cup, and will have first round, semi-final, and championship matches televised nationally.

+READ: Dallas Cup announces final two additions for 2018 Super Group

“As the home of soccer, our commitment must go beyond broadcasting the best leagues and events from around the world, and includes becoming a driving force of the growth of the beautiful game in America” said Juan Carlos Rodriguez, President of Univision Deportes. “Partnering with the Dr Pepper Dallas Cup will allow us to show case the stars of tomorrow and provide boys and girls the opportunity to shine in front of a national audience”.

The 2017 Dr Pepper Dallas Cup laid the blueprint for the new partnership, as UDN aired national broadcasts of the Super Group semi-finals and final, and of the U-14 championship match this past spring. The extended broadcast commitment from Univision Deportes will continue to provide heightened nationwide reach for the tournament in 2018 and beyond.

Univision Deportes will support the national broadcasts with daily features, including interviews, highlight packages, and off-field coverage centered around the Dr Pepper Dallas Cup. The tournament, which annually hosts over 4000 players and 250 referees from all corners of the world, provides participants with the opportunity to engage with the Dallas community at local schools, hospitals, and advocacy centers. The enhanced exposure provided by Univision Deportes will give viewers a further glimpse at what makes Dr Pepper Dallas Cup a one of a kind tournament experience.

“We are honored to welcome Univision Deportes and UDN to the Dr Pepper Dallas Cup family,” said Dallas Cup Executive Director Andy Swift. “Univision Deportes’ tremendous commitment to our tournament recognizes and reinforces that the Dr Pepper Dallas Cup is one of the premier youth soccer tournaments in the world, and provides our participating athletes with a national, multi-media platform in which to showcase their elite talents. As we approach our 40th anniversary, we are thrilled about the extensive exposure the tournament will receive, highlighting why Dallas Cup is such a unique and special event.”

Dr Pepper Dallas Cup XXXIX will be held from March 25th through April 1st, 2018. Opening day of the tournament will feature a Super Group triple-header at the historic Cotton Bowl Stadium. Additional group stage games will be played at MoneyGram Soccer Park and Richland College Soccer Complex, setting the stage for Championship Weekend at Toyota Stadium in Frisco.

Premier League giants Arsenal FC and Manchester United, Liga MX champions Tigres, Copa MX champions CF Monterrey, MLS Cup champions Toronto FC, defending Super Group champions FC Dallas, national US academy champions Atlanta United, and Brazilian youth academy powerhouse EC Vitoria are among the teams participating in the 2018 Gordon Jago Super Group. Univision Deportes’ broadcast schedule will be announced at a later date.