At first glance, it appears that Paramount Global’s CBS Sports has launched a free direct-to-consumer digital network dedicated exclusively to Spanish-speaking U.S. Hispanics who can’t quench their thirst for all things fútbol.
That’s not what CBS Sports is ready to launch on April 11, however — even as it has chosen a very Spanish-language name for its new offering.
Introducing the CBS Sports Golazo! Network.
Indeed, Golazo is a soccer expression referring to an awesomely amazing goal used by Spanish speakers all around the world. But, if they aren’t fluent in English, the “ultimate year-round streaming destination for soccer fans” may be lost on them.
In fact, the terminology in place is decidedly more Tottenham than Toluca. From 7am-9am is “Morning Footy,” described as the flagship morning show of the Golazo! network. It’s hosted by Susannah Collins and former U.S. Men’s National Team player Charlie Davies, rather than anyone associated with El Tri or even the Mexican first-division soccer league. Joining Collins and Davies are analyst Nico Cantor and “The Cooligans” soccer personality and comedian Alexis Guerreros. Additionally, match highlights, analysis, interviews, and updates from reporter Jenny Chiu are in the mix.
Who’s in charge of the forthcoming digital network? CBS Sports Chairman Sean McManus.
“The launch of the CBS SPORTS GOLAZO NETWORK demonstrates the continued evolution of our industry-leading soccer coverage as we build on the incredible momentum we have created the past three years delivering authentic, informative, engaging and entertaining content across multiple platforms,” he said. “Led by our best-in-class studio shows and announcers, more than 2,400 live soccer matches a year and now a dedicated soccer streaming network, CBS Sports is the ultimate destination for soccer fans.”
Also overseeing the Golazo! launch is CBS Sports and CBS News and Stations EVP of Digital Jeff Gerttula, who commented, “Interest in soccer has never been stronger. By launching a first-of-its-kind streaming network in the U.S. dedicated to soccer globally, CBS SPORTS GOLAZO NETWORK provides a tremendous growth opportunity by delivering unprecedented, round-the-clock coverage for passionate soccer fans.”
CBS SPORTS GOLAZO NETWORK is a “FAST” channel, and will be available on the Pluto TV platform, that for CBS Sports, and on the Paramount+ OTT app.
What about live game-day coverage? As part of CBS Sports’ UEFA Champions League coverage, CBS SPORTS GOLAZO NETWORK will provide exclusive pre- and post-match programming. But, it can only promise “same-day” Champions League match re-airs.
The CBS Sports roster of soccer announcers includes Serie A analysts Marco Messina, Poppy Miller, Mike Grella, Matteo Bonetti, Aaron West and Fabrizio Romano, CBS Sports rules analyst Christina Unkel, and UEFA Champions League Today studio team Kate Abdo, Thierry Henry, Jamie Carragher, Micah Richards and Guillem Balagué.
A Paramount Global spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment about whether a Spanish-language Golazo! was in the works.