ESPN Deportes to offer 2009 World Baseball Classic.

ESPN Deportes will present coverage of all 39 games of the 2009 World Baseball Classic.  The network, which under a previously announced deal secured rights to 23 games of the event, secured exclusive Spanish-language rights for the remaining 16 games, it was announced today. 

“This agreement clearly underscores ESPN Deportes’ leadership and commitment to offering first-class sporting events to the Hispanic sports fans and advertisers in the U.S.,” said Eric Conrad, director, programming and acquisitions, ESPN Deportes. “The World Baseball Classic represents national pride, honor, and glory and we’re thrilled to once again be the exclusive Spanish-language platform showcasing these world class baseball players as they proudly represent their home countries.”

World Baseball Classic coverage highlights include:

Spanish-language telecasts of all 39 games on ESPN Deportes beginning March 5;
Special editions of Beisbol Esta Noche will keep fans up to date on the latest results, news and expert analysis throughout the tournament;
Exclusive Spanish-language coverage on ESPN Deportes Radio, highlighted with coverage of the semifinals and final;
Extensive ESPNdeportes.com content featuring highlights, news and information.
33 games available on ESPN Deportes in Puerto Rico.

World Baseball Classic coverage on ESPN’s English-language platforms will include:
ESPN and ESPN2 combining to televise 23 games in the U.S. beginning March 5;
The semifinals – Saturday, March 21, and Sunday, March 22 – and final, Monday, March 23, from Dodger Stadium;
All ESPN and ESPN2 telecasts simulcast via ESPN360.com and ESPN Mobile TV;
23 games (ESPN, ESPN2 telecasts) available in Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands. 

ESPN International will televise up to 39 games in Africa, Australia, Europe (via NASN, which will become ESPN America on Feb. 1), Latin America, the Middle East and New Zealand.