Underlining its commitment to futbol, ESPN is introducing a new multi-language and multinational brand for soccer fans around the globe across its TV, radio, print, online and mobile holdings.
The debut of ESPNFC, which comes in advance of the 2012 UEFA European Football Championships, will house all of the company's soccer properties under one name. Over time, ESPNFC will add global and regional contributors to ensure coverage of all news and developments around the clocks, regardless of where they happen. Whether, online and/or on mobile, ESPNFC will have the ability to detect where a fan and deliver locally relevant content for that region and serve that content in the native language. ESPNFC also aspires to afford customizable digital opportunities for marketers that can work with ESPN to reach sports fans on both a global and regional scale using ESPN's worldwide sales teams.
Beginning this week, fans can experience a preview of ESPNFC with branded content online and on mobile platforms specific to the Euro 2012 tournament in Poland and Ukraine. Later this yea,r online and on mobile - around the start of new soccer seasons around the world - ESPNFC will expand to encompass all major leagues and competitions worldwide. ESPNFC will also be integrated into ESPNdeportes.com, which serves the Spanish-language-community in the U.S., and across soccer content on many of ESPN's global TV, radio and print platforms. Reflective of the the new brand, the company will also rename its signature global multi-platform soccer debate and discussion show to ESPNFC PressPass (from ESPNsoccernet PressPass).
Throughout the EURO 2012, ESPNFC will provide comprehensive coverage of one of the leading international soccer competitions, including live TV, on-demand video highlights, studio programming clips, news, analysis and commentary, real-time scores, stats and more. Its new global news-gathering operations will organize a worldwide network of ESPN writers and analysts covering the latest news and developments around the clock, including contributions from former England manager Glenn Hoddle plus tournament coverage with team previews of all 16 teams, stadium profiles and tactical insight supported by a Euro 2012 Blog Network of all countries competing.
Inside ESPNFC, fans can access Live MatchHQ, an enhanced version of GameCast which provides the live game experience for those who are not able to watch the game live. It also provides data-driven content from the live experience, including real-time scores and stats, highlights, message boards and more - all in one place. Additionally, ESPNFC will feature its comprehensive Eurp 2012 Top 40 Player Rankings with contributions from ESPN soccer's on-air tean of Ian Darke, Steve McManaman, Alexis Lalas, Taylor Twellman, Shaka Hislop, Gabriele Marcotti, John Brewin, Andy Brassell, Derek Rae, Tommy Smyth, and Robbie Mustoe, among others.
"ESPN is solidifying its dedication to soccer year-round with the launch of ESPNFC, said John Skipper, president, ESPN, Inc. and Co-Chairman, Disney Media Networks in a statement. "It represents one of ESPN's most significant global commitments to the sport and leverages the core strength of what ESPN does well - serve sports fans. In short, ESPNFC is the definitive source for soccer coverage worldwide."
