Telemundo, a network under the NBCUniversal umbrella, recently concluded its most comprehensive Spanish-language coverage of the Paris Olympics in American television history. The network employed over 40 hosts, commentators, and reporters to provide extensive coverage of the games.
According to a recent press release by Telemundo, they averaged 289,000 total viewers across their Spanish-language platforms. This includes not only their TV network but also Telemundo’s streaming channel and Peacock. This figure represents an impressive 36% increase in average viewership compared to the previous Olympics held in Tokyo.
The network reported that a staggering 3.9 billion minutes of Olympics match coverage were consumed across all their platforms - a significant 51% increase from the Tokyo Olympics. It's worth noting that these Summer Games were initially scheduled for 2020 but had to be postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The rise of women’s football
A closer look at football reveals even more impressive numbers for Telemundo's Olympic viewership. Both men’s and women’s competitions received historic numbers on American Spanish-language television; however, it was specifically the women’s tournament in France that drew an incredible audience.
Telemundo experienced an astounding 368% increase in viewers during the women’s football competition compared to previous Olympics. A notable highlight was a semifinal match between USWNT (United States Women's National Team) and Germany which attracted over 731,000 viewers - making it not only the most-watched game of these Olympics but also marking it as highest-rated football fixture since Rio's games back in 2016.
Moreover, five out of eight top-watched Olympic football games on Telemundo since Rio were from this year's women’s competition – including all top four spots! Men’s football wasn't left behind either, experiencing a 29% growth in Spanish-language viewership during the 2024 games. The USWNT eventually clinched the gold medal in Paris by narrowly defeating Brazil in the final. This victory marked their first triumph since 2012. On the men's side, however, America fell to Morocco in the quarterfinals while Spain topped France for gold.
Telemundo’s future plans
As NBCUniversal’s Spanish-language flagship channel, Telemundo broadcasts several football competitions throughout the year. Alongside its Olympic coverage, it also shares Spanish-language presentations of Premier League with sister channel Universo. The upcoming 2024/25 English top-flight season is set to kick off soon with Manchester United vs Fulham on Universo and USA network.
Telemundo also covers select Liga MX matches and remains as American Spanish-language broadcasting destination for Chivas de Guadalajara home games - one of Mexico's most popular football clubs with an illustrious history free from relegation.
Furthermore, Telemundo carries certain CONCACAF World Cup qualifiers featuring away fixtures from Mexico and U.S national teams. Looking ahead, they will continue to broadcast Spanish-language coverage of World Cup through 2026 and Olympic Games through 2032 - promising more exciting sports content for their growing audience base.
