El Salvador is taking a decisive step toward modernizing its sports ecosystem through a historic media agreement. Backed by President Nayib Bukele’s administration, the National Sports Institute (INDES) and the Salvadoran Football Federation (FESFUT) have partnered with FOX Central America to broadcast the Liga de Ascenso (second division) across the entire Central American region for the 2026–2027 and 2027–2028 seasons.
This strategic deal guarantees unprecedented regional exposure for local talent, covering both annual tournaments per season. Beyond TV distribution, the initiative aims to professionalize second-tier clubs, improve financial sustainability for players, and attract new sponsorship brands into Salvadoran soccer. FESFUT President Yamil Bukele emphasized that this partnership marks a turning point for the sport, noting, “This is a new history and there are many brands that are believing in this project, which is turning out much better than planned.”
The alliance highlights a broader government strategy to leverage sports as a tool for youth development and international positioning. By securing international broadcasting infrastructure, El Salvador ensures its domestic competitions reach millions of households across the region. INDES President René Martínez reaffirmed that this milestone reflects “the President’s commitment to investing in youth and the future of El Salvador.”
For networks like FOX, the commitment extends beyond simply airing matches. It represents an investment in building sustainable sports infrastructure and raising the competitive bar across Central America. Expressing confidence in the long-term project, Leandro Lagos, Vice President of FOX Central America, explained that this deal is about expanding boundaries, stating, “FOX is a bigger screen and will provide a different exposure. We contribute with investment, but we also accompany the project in the short, medium, and long term.”