Madrid – Movistar Plus, Spain’s leading pay-television broadcaster, has secured exclusive rights to the FA Cup through the 2027-28 season, bolstering its already extensive portfolio of top-tier soccer coverage. The deal, announced this week, will bring all remaining rounds of the current competition – including the quarter-finals, semi-finals, and final – to Spanish viewers, as well as the entirety of the 2026-27 and 2027-28 editions. This acquisition further cements Movistar Plus’ position as a key destination for football fans in Spain, offering a comprehensive package of both domestic and international leagues.
The move comes as competition for sports broadcasting rights intensifies across Europe. The FA Cup, renowned for its history and unpredictable nature, is a significant addition to Movistar Plus’ lineup, which already includes extensive coverage of Spanish football, including LaLiga until 2032, shared with DAZN. The broadcaster too holds the domestic rights to Spain’s Copa del Rey for the 2025-26 and 2026-27 seasons, broadcasting 55 games annually from that competition. This latest deal demonstrates Movistar Plus’ commitment to providing a broad range of soccer content to its subscribers.
A Shift in Spanish Broadcasting Landscape
For several years, DAZN has been the home of the FA Cup in Spain. The rights distribution across Europe has been managed by Pitch International, acting on behalf of the English Football Association. Sportcal reported on the deal, highlighting the strategic importance of the Spanish market for the FA Cup’s international reach. The transition to Movistar Plus signals a shift in the broadcasting landscape, with the established pay-TV operator strengthening its grip on premium sports content. DAZN continues to hold the rights to England’s Premier League in Spain, a partnership that began last summer and also extends through the 2027-28 season.
Spanish Players in the Spotlight
The timing of the acquisition is particularly noteworthy given the presence of several prominent Spanish national team players still competing in this season’s FA Cup. Manchester City’s Rodri, Chelsea’s Marc Cucurella, and Arsenal’s Martin Zubimendi are all vying for the trophy, offering Spanish fans a compelling reason to tune in. Adding to the appeal, Arsenal are currently managed by Spaniard Mikel Arteta, further increasing the connection for viewers. The quarter-final matchups – Manchester City versus Liverpool, Chelsea versus Port Vale, Southampton versus Arsenal, and West Ham United versus Leeds United – promise exciting viewing across the weekend of April 4th and 5th.
Expanding Beyond the FA Cup: A Broader Sports Strategy
Movistar Plus’s recent activity extends beyond football. Earlier this month, the broadcaster announced a deal with FIBA, basketball’s international governing body, securing rights through 2029. This demonstrates a broader strategy of diversifying its sports portfolio to appeal to a wider audience. The inclusion of the Women’s FA Cup and the Community Shield in the new FA Cup deal further expands the offering, catering to the growing popularity of women’s football and providing a season-opening showcase event.
The Competitive Landscape of Sports Rights
The acquisition of FA Cup rights underscores the intense competition for premium sports content in the European market. Broadcasters are increasingly willing to invest heavily in exclusive rights to attract and retain subscribers. This trend is driven by the growing popularity of streaming services and the increasing demand for live sports coverage. The battle for rights is likely to continue, with broadcasters vying for deals across a range of sports and leagues. The financial implications of these deals are substantial, impacting the revenue streams of leagues and federations and shaping the future of sports broadcasting.
Looking ahead, Movistar Plus will be focused on maximizing the value of its FA Cup investment. The broadcaster will likely leverage its extensive marketing resources to promote the competition and attract viewers. The success of the partnership will depend on its ability to deliver a high-quality viewing experience and engage with football fans in Spain. The next key date for Movistar Plus and FA Cup fans will be the quarter-final matches on April 4th and 5th, marking the beginning of the broadcaster’s exclusive coverage.
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