Fanatiz Expands U.S. Presence with Interactive YouTube Streaming Hub and Launch of Pay TV Channel Fanatiz1

Fanatiz, a premier multiplatform ecosystem for South American sports, has announced a major double-play U.S. expansion: the rollout of Fanatiz’s interactive streaming hub on YouTube and the launch of Fanatiz1, its dedicated 24/7 new linear channel on US Pay TV. These milestones cement the brand’s evolution from a digital native platform into a scaled, omnipresent media ecosystem.

Both initiatives directly address the rapid transformation of the U.S. market –an environment where total combined subscriptions (Pay TV+ Online video) are projected to top 500 million by 2027 in the U.S. (2). Within this landscape, Fanatiz aims to leverage migration toward hybrid media consumption models.

“Fanatiz’s interactive YouTube streaming channel and Fanatiz1 linear pay-TV channel represent a major strategic milestone and a natural disruption to our growth story. By combining our native streaming leadership with a dedicated linear pay-TV channel and a 100% interactive digital experience, we are cementing a true 360° omnichannel ecosystem. This ensures soccer fans can frictionlessly connect with their passion across whatever format they choose,” said Juan Pablo Buscaglione, General Manager of Fanatiz.

FANATIZ ON YOUTUBE

The new official Fanatiz interactive YouTube streaming channel is tailored to capture younger, digitally native Hispanic communities -who currently spend over half of their viewing time on streaming platforms- The channel connects them to their roots and cultural identity through live South American soccer and a fresh slate of original content built specifically for this demographic. This free-access hub disrupts the traditional broadcasting model: the match is no longer the end product, but the catalyst for an interactive community that drives scale, purpose, and reach. The format bridges rights-holding broadcasters, distribution platforms, and content creators, who drive the narrative and command fan attention.

El Partido de Fanatiz

As part of this strategy, Fanatiz on YouTube is debuting its new original production, El Partido de Fanatiz, every Saturday and Sunday. Reaching beyond the standard 90-minute game, this continuous, six-hour live show features comprehensive pre-match analysis, live match broadcasts with dedicated play-by-play commentators and on-field correspondents, and two hours of post-match debate. The experience integrates real-time reactions and community engagement via live chat and interactive polling. Additionally, the new live show Fuerte y al Medio streaming three times a week drives live conversation and debate with followers. From Monday to Friday, a dedicated daily show delivers full, in-depth coverage of the FIFA World Cup 2026. This daily content slate is hosted by a diverse group of top creators and talents from across Latin America, working alongside iconic figures of South American soccer.

“Latinos in the U.S. represent a community of 30 million fans who already spend more than half of their viewing time on streaming. Fanatiz was born for them. South American soccer is culture, identity, and conversation, and Fanatiz’s new YouTube destination is where that conversation happens. This is where creators play a key role in building a true sense of belonging—which remains at the core of every content decision we make,” said Rafael López, VP of Media & Content at Fz Sports.

THE LEAP TO PAY-TV: FANATIZ1

In a parallel move, Fanatiz1 channel enters the U.S. Pay TV market, a sector that maintains a base of 70 million subscriber households (3) and generates over US$70 billion in annual revenue (4). The 24/7 channel offers a powerful mix of live content and original programming, broadcasting up to 15 live matches per week. This ensures exclusive access to Brazil’s Brasileirão Série A -the pinnacle of Brazilian soccer- and Peru’s Liga1. – and Peru’s Liga1. The lineup also features top-tier matches from Venezuela’s Liga FutVe and Brazil’s National Futsal League (LNF), widely regarded as one of the world’s finest due to its elite technical level. Along with the Brasileirão, the LNF serves as the premier talent incubator for major European leagues.

Fanatiz1’s original content lineup features flagship analysis and debate shows including L1 Radio, Hablemos De Max, Brasileirão Magazine, and Modo Futve. This is complemented by exclusive Fanatiz productions, including high-stakes pre- and post-match coverage, goal countdowns, highlights, and “team of the week” selections from the ongoing league seasons.

DEMOGRAPHIC OPPORTUNITY AND MARKET MOMENTUM

These strategic launches directly align with a powerful demographic reality: the U.S. Latino population has reached over 68 million people (1 in 5) (1). As the fastest-growing demographic in the country, this audience encompasses 30 million South American soccer enthusiasts -comprising 24 million core fans and 6 million South American expatriates- who serve as the primary drivers of sports consumption nationwide. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Latinos are projected to account for 21% of the total population by 2030.

Fanatiz’s dual-market expansion comes at an impeccable time, rolling out just days ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026. With the U.S. serving as a primary host country, soccer fandom has reached historic highs across North America. These launches perfectly capitalize on the global momentum of a defining year where soccer commands the center of both cultural and sports conversations.

The brand positioning plan for Fanatiz within the U.S. Hispanic market was enhanced by the insights from Diego Abatecola, the Argentine co-founder of prominent digital media ElCanciller.com and Blender. An expert in branding and marketing tailored to Latino audiences, Abatecola collaborated on identifying core brand attributes and defining the platform’s value proposition. The initiative focused on amplifying cultural touchpoints to deepen Fanatiz’s relevance within the U.S. Hispanic community.

“The U.S. Hispanic market represents one of the most vital and dynamic consumer communities today,” stated Abatecola. “Soccer sits at the absolute center of cultural identity and consumption habits for millions within this demographic. The brands that successfully forge a genuine connection are those that truly grasp this passion and its cultural nuances. My role was focused on sharing a vision for brand positioning and soccer-centric identity to help craft a narrative that resonates closer and feels deeply relevant to this community”.

SOURCES

(1) U.S. Census Bureau: National Population Projections and Mid-Term Demographic Report; data synthesized via Salud America.

(2) Omdia (Informa Tech): Global Macroeconomic Report: Pay TV & Online Video Forecasts.

(3) Leichtman Research Group & Moffett Nathanson: Consolidated Industry Data from the Research and Analysis Report.

(4) Kagan, S&P Global Market Intelligence: Historical Media Revenue and Market Data for North America.