Globo retains exclusive free-to-air rights, while ESPN, under Disney, owns the main pay-TV package and gets first choice of matches each round. In practice, this means that the network maintains control over the major competitions, which drive subscriptions and advertising in equal measure.
Globo will continue to stream matches on its GE TV digital channel on YouTube, giving fans an easy way to watch the match across devices. The channel was only launched this year, but has already become a central pillar of Globo’s football strategy.
The timing of the deal comes just months after Flamengo defeated Palmeiras in the 2025 final. Brazilian clubs have dominated the Copa Libertadores in recent years, winning the title in the past seven editions, five of which have been all-Brazilian finals.
Like the Champions League, the Libertadores shape viewing habits, advertising calendars and even network identities. Globo and ESPN simply couldn’t afford to let it go.
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