Fox has acquired Mexican sports streaming platform Caliente TV as it seeks to bolster its presence in the country and in Central America.

Confirmed:

Carlos Martinez appointed executive vice president and managing director of Latin America for Fox

Fox plans to expand with a new pay-TV channel and a new subscription streaming offering that will complement the Tubi free ad-supported television service (FAST)

Media giant also has plans to launch Caliente TV in Central America

Fox platforms in Mexico and Latin American will employ more than 250 people directly and indirectly.

Context:

This acquisition strengthens Fox’s streaming capabilities in Central America at a time when it is making its long-awaited foray into the direct-to-consumer (DTC) space with the launch of Fox One later this year.

Caliente brings local knowledge, an established subscriber base, and a rights portfolio that includes six top-flight Liga MX men’s soccer clubs – the most important property in the Mexican market. Other key soccer rights include the Concacaf Champions League, Uefa Champions League and the Premier League.

The expansion also raises the prospect for joint rights deals or closer collaboration between Fox’s businesses in the US and in Latin America, a strategy employed to great effect by the likes of Comcast, Disney, Paramount Global and Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD).

Comment:

“Fox’s investment to acquire Caliente TV reflects our commitment to building a leading sports streaming business in Mexico with massive audience reach, a robust sports rights portfolio and an impressive roster of exclusive sports leagues and talent,” said Martinez.

Coming next:

The expanded Fox Latin America division will show more than 3,000 hours of sports content this year.

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