Movistar+ Becomes Broadcast Partner of Spanish Rugby Federation

World Cup.">

September 25, 2025

Madrid, Spain – Movistar Plus+, the streaming service of Spanish telecommunications giant Telefónica, has dramatically expanded its sports portfolio with a three-year agreement to broadcast premier Spanish rugby competitions. The deal encompasses coverage of the Men’s Division de honor, the Women’s Liga Iberdrola, and the Copa del Rey, extending thru the 2027-28 season.

Enhanced Coverage Details

Under the terms of the agreement, Movistar+ will deliver extensive coverage, including one first-pick game from each matchday of the Division de Honor. Additionally, all quarter-final, semi-final, and final matches will be aired. Liga Iberdrola coverage will feature one top-selection match per matchday, culminating in broadcasts of the semi-final and final competitions. The Copa del Rey coverage will focus on the semi-final and final matches.

This strategic move substantially strengthens Movistar’s already robust rugby programming, which currently includes access to major international leagues like France’s Top 14, England’s Premiership Rugby, and Super Rugby Pacific. It also encompasses premier tournaments such as the Rugby World Cup, the Six Nations, the rugby Championship, and the Champions cup.

Boosting National Rugby’s profile

Juan Carlos Martín, President of the Spanish Rugby Federation (Federación Española de Rugby – FER), hailed the partnership as a turning point, stating that Movistar Plus+ will “provide our national competitions with unprecedented visibility.” He emphasized the benefits for sponsors and the broader promotion of rugby within Spain, ensuring it reaches audiences through a high-quality broadcast platform alongside world-class international leagues.

The timing of this agreement coincides with the FER’s active pursuit of hosting rights for the 2035 Rugby World Cup. representatives from the FER previously engaged with World Rugby officials earlier in the year in order to formally express the nation’s interest in hosting the prestigious tournament for the first time.

Infrastructure Improvements

To support a potential bid,the FER is currently collaborating with LaLiga,the governing body of Spanish professional football,to explore the possibility of utilizing existing LaLiga stadiums to meet the infrastructure requirements for hosting such a large-scale event. Spain already has experience hosting important rugby events, as Bilbao’s San Mames stadium is slated to host the 2026 EPCR Champions Cup final, having previously hosted the event in 2018.

Spain currently competes in the European Nations Cup, consistently ranking among the top contenders outside of the Six Nations; the team achieved a runner-up finish in the 2024-25 campaign. With France having hosted the 2023 Rugby world Cup, Australia set to host in 2027, and the United States selected for 2031, 2035 represents a key chance for the tournament to return to European soil.

Competition	Movistar+ Coverage
Men’s Division de Honor	One first-pick game per matchday, Quarter-finals, Semi-finals, Final
Women’s Liga Iberdrola	One first-pick game per matchday, Semi-final, Final
Copa del Rey	Semi-final, Final

Did You Know? Spain’s national rugby team has been steadily climbing the international rankings, demonstrating the growing popularity of the sport within the country.

Pro Tip: For fans looking to follow Spanish rugby, Movistar plus+ will be the primary destination for live and on-demand coverage.

What impact will this broadcast deal have on the growth of rugby in Spain? And how will Spain leverage these improved facilities in their bid to host the 2035 Rugby World Cup?

The Growing Landscape of Sports Broadcasting

The trend of streaming services acquiring exclusive rights to sports events is rapidly reshaping the media landscape. As more fans cut the cord and embrace streaming,platforms like Movistar+ are becoming increasingly important for delivering live sports content. This shift is driven by the desire to reach a wider audience and offer more flexible viewing options. A recent report by Statista indicates that sports streaming viewership is projected to continue its ample growth in the coming years.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What rugby competitions will Movistar+ broadcast? Movistar+ will broadcast the Men’s Division de Honor,Women’s Liga Iberdrola,and Copa del Rey.
2. How long does the broadcasting agreement last? The agreement extends through the 2027-28 season.
3. What other rugby leagues does Movistar+ cover? Movistar+ also broadcasts France’s Top 14, England’s Premiership Rugby, and Super Rugby Pacific.
4. Is Spain bidding to host the Rugby World Cup? Yes, the FER is actively pursuing hosting rights for the 2035 Rugby World Cup.
5. What is the FER doing to prepare for a potential World Cup bid? They are in talks with laliga to secure the use of stadiums and are leveraging existing facilities like San Mames in Bilbao.

Share your thoughts! What do you think about movistar’s increased investment in Spanish rugby? Leave a comment below.

What are the specific benefits of the Movistar+ partnership for the Spanish Rugby Federation (FER)?

Strengthening the Visibility of Spanish Rugby

On September 25, 2025, the Spanish Rugby Federation (FER) announced a landmark partnership with Movistar+, Spain’s leading pay-television platform. this collaboration designates Movistar+ as the official broadcast partner for all national team matches, including the highly anticipated six Nations Rugby Championship qualifying games, and key domestic competitions. This deal represents a significant boost for the profile of rugby in Spain and promises increased accessibility for fans.

Key Details of the Broadcast Agreement

The multi-year agreement encompasses extensive coverage across Movistar+’s channels and streaming services.Hear’s a breakdown of what fans can expect:

* Live Coverage: All Spanish national team matches will be broadcast live, including both men’s and women’s competitions.

* Domestic League Access: Significant coverage of División de Honor, the top tier of Spanish club rugby, will be available. This includes select matches each week and highlights packages.

* On-Demand Content: A dedicated section on Movistar+ will feature on-demand replays, highlights, and exclusive behind-the-scenes content related to Spanish rugby.

* Digital Streaming: Fans can access matches and content via Movistar+’s streaming platforms, allowing for viewing on a variety of devices – smartphones, tablets, and computers.

* Enhanced Production value: Movistar+ will leverage its extensive broadcasting expertise to deliver high-quality production, including multiple camera angles, expert commentary, and in-depth analysis.

Impact on Fan Engagement and Growth of the Sport

This partnership is expected to have a profound impact on the growth of rugby viewership in Spain.

* Increased Reach: Movistar+ boasts a substantial subscriber base, instantly exposing Spanish rugby to a wider audience than ever before.

* Professional Presentation: the high production standards of Movistar+ will elevate the perceived value of the sport,attracting new fans and sponsors.

* Accessibility: The availability of matches on multiple platforms – linear TV and streaming – caters to diverse viewing preferences.

* Commercial Opportunities: Increased visibility translates to greater commercial opportunities for the FER and its member clubs, fostering financial stability and investment in the sport.

* Boosting Player profiles: Greater exposure will help raise the profiles of Spanish rugby players, potentially attracting more talent to the sport.

División de Honor Spotlight: What to expect

The agreement extends beyond the national team, placing a significant focus on the División de Honor. Movistar+’s coverage will highlight the league’s competitive intensity and showcase the talent within Spanish club rugby. Expect:

1. Match of the Week: A designated “Match of the Week” will receive comprehensive coverage,including pre-game analysis,live commentary,and post-match interviews.
2. highlights Packages: Regular highlights packages will provide fans with a quick and convenient way to stay up-to-date with the league’s key moments.
3. Player Profiles: Features on individual players will offer insights into their backgrounds, motivations, and contributions to their teams.
4. team Spotlights: Dedicated segments will explore the history, culture, and ambitions of each División de Honor club.

Ancient Context: Rugby’s Growth in Spain

While not traditionally a mainstream sport in Spain, rugby’s popularity has been steadily growing in recent years. The national team has achieved notable successes, including qualifying for the Rugby World Cup on multiple occasions. However,consistent media coverage has been a challenge. Previous broadcasting arrangements were often fragmented and lacked the reach of a major platform like Movistar+. This partnership addresses that critical need.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Spanish Rugby Broadcasting

This collaboration between movistar+ and the Spanish Rugby Federation marks a turning point for the sport in Spain. It’s a strategic investment that promises to elevate the profile of Spanish rugby both domestically and internationally. Fans can anticipate a more engaging and accessible viewing experience, while the FER can look forward to increased revenue, sponsorship opportunities, and a brighter future for the sport. The deal also sets a precedent for other emerging rugby nations seeking to expand their reach and attract new audiences.