ESPN to Air 261st El Clásico Between Barcelona and Real Madrid on May 11

BRISTOL, Conn. — ESPN announced today that the highly anticipated 261st El Clásico between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid will be broadcast on Sunday, May 11, at 10:15 a.m. ET. The match will be available as a simulcast across ESPN, ESPN+, and ESPN Deportes in both English and Spanish.

This broadcast marks a significant moment in ESPN’s eighth-year media rights agreement, which began in 2021. It will be the first time the iconic rivalry has aired on an ESPN English-language television network, highlighting the growing accessibility of LaLiga matches in the U.S.

According to ESPN, the coverage will be unprecedented, allowing more soccer fans to witness one of the sport’s most charged rivalries with a league title on the line. “This El Clásico represents not just an incredible matchup but also a huge commitment from ESPN to bring more live soccer to our audience,” said an ESPN spokesperson.

In addition to the match itself, ESPN plans extensive pre-game and post-game programming originating from Barcelona, starting May 8. The company has promised its most comprehensive coverage of any LaLiga event, including dedicated studio shows in both languages.

Since ESPN began airing LaLiga matches in August 2021, the network has showcased 12 El Clásico matchups across various competitions, including LaLiga, Copa del Rey, and Supercopa de España. The decision to feature this match on linear TV addresses previous concerns regarding the accessibility of LaLiga matches under the earlier beIN Sports agreement.

The 261st El Clásico will feature renowned players such as Kylian Mbappé, Luka Modrić, Lamine Yamal, and Robert Lewandowski. This is significant as it allows a wider audience to experience top-tier soccer talent on a traditional broadcast platform.

“Moving this El Clásico to a linear network reflects the importance of the event and the need to reach the largest possible audience,” the spokesperson added. The anticipation surrounding the match has grown as soccer continues to embrace streaming, yet this linear broadcast format provides unique opportunities for fan engagement.

As fans gear up for this battle on the pitch, the effect of ESPN’s broadcast strategy will be closely watched, particularly regarding audience numbers. The move is expected to draw substantial viewership, significantly enhancing access to one of soccer’s greatest spectacles.