On February 1, NBC Universo, a re-launched Spanish-language cable network, reached more than 1.1 million viewers during its exclusive, Spanish-language telecast of Super Bowl XLIX. Among Latinos, it was also the most-watched cable station—regardless of language—during total day and prime time.

The telecast’s viewership topped out at an average of 457,000 viewers during the final minutes of the New England Patriots’ 28-24 victory over the defending champion Seattle Seahawks. It averaged 368,000 total viewers – 259,000 were adults 18 to 49. The network beat Hispanic cable competitors by at least 2:1 during primetime. Super Bowl XLIX was also the most viewed program outside of top soccer matches in the network’s history (including on its predecessor channel, mun2).

For the total day, NBC UNIVERSO averaged 121,000 total viewers – 81,000 were adults 18 to 49. During primetime, the network averaged 267,000 total viewers – 186,000 were adults 18 to 49, marking its highest Sunday primetime ever among this age group.

“Sunday marked a historic day for our network,” said Rubén Mendiola, president, NBC UNIVERSO. “On the first day of our re-launch, NBC UNIVERSO succeeded in delivering high-quality sports and edgy entertainment series to Latino viewers across the U.S. More than a million people joined us to watch Super Bowl XLIX in Spanish.
As we continue to establish our network and new brand, we’re off to a thrilling start. We could not be more pleased with our viewers’ positive response to our new, vibrant look and feel.”

Highlighting its Super Bowl Sunday programming, NBC UNIVERSO aired nine straight hours of football and related entertainment, along with a Premier League match and WWE RAW en Español. After the Super Bowl, the network broadcast “Bienvenidos a NBC UNIVERSO” a half-hour special that gave viewers a sampling of what is planned on NBC UNIVERSO down the road.

The network intends to broadcast other sporting events that are of interest to Hispanics. “With FIFA World Cup, The NASCAR Mexico Series, more Premier League matches, WWE RAW and Smackdown en Español, and the 2016 Rio Olympics all on deck, Super Bowl XLIX was the first of many brilliant sports moments Latinos can expect from NBC UNIVERSO in the months ahead,” said Mendiola.