Bayern Munich sign TV deal with Univision Deportes in USA

Agence France-Presse is reporting that Bayern Munich has signed an agreement with United States based spanish-language television channel Univision Deportes. The agreement calls for Univision Deportes to air a spanish-language version of FCB.tv as well as replays of Bundesliga, DFB Pokal, and Champions League matches.

Univision Deportes' Vice President of Sports Programming Eric Conrad said that, "Univision Deportes is very happy to be able to offer content and formats of World Champion club FC Bayern München to a very sports-mad public."

The move is very smart for FC Bayern as they look to expand their footprint in the United States. This builds upon the club opening their office in New York City, playing various friendlies in the United States, and a recent media partnership with MSN.

"The partnership with Univision is another important step in our global direction," said FC Bayern head of internationalization and strategy Jörg Wacker. "Through this cooperation, we are enabling access to our club and our brand FC Bayern München to an international and football-mad public in the USA."

The Bundesliga will be aired by Fox Sports and Fox Deportes beginning next season. This will greatly expand the Bundesliga's reach in the USA. Fox Sports 1 is in nearly 85 million homes, Fox Sports 2 is in just over 45 million homes, and Fox Deportes is in nearly 22 million homes. The ability for Americans to view the Bundesliga has decreased dramatically on Gol TV in recent seasons as most cable companies have dropped the channel in favor of BeIN Sport.

Univision Deportes was in nearly 40 million homes as of the end of February 2015.