Asian Football Confederation (AFC) renews media rights deal with ESPN

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC), Asia’s football-governing body, has announced an extension of its partnership with ESPN for the 2025–28 cycle.

As per the renewed media rights agreement, ESPN is set to continue as the Exclusive Media Partner of AFC competitions in South America and Central America as well as the non-exclusive partner in the Caribbean.

The deal covers the following AFC tournaments: the Asian qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the 2027 Asian Cup, the Champions League Elite, and the Champions League Two.

Datuk Seri Windsor John, AFC General Secretary, 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 their firm belief in the future of Asian football.“

Michael Walters, VP Programming & Acquisitions, ESPN International, added:

“At ESPN, our main goal is to serve the sports fan with a vast array of sportive 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+.“