Fox Sports México is currently embroiled in legal disputes following its claim against Grupo Pachuca and Fox Sports Estados Unidos. Paulo Díez, the external legal advisor for Fox Sports México, revealed on March 7, 2025, during the "Noticias de la Mañana con Mario Maldonado" program on El Heraldo Televisión, "Grupo Lauman has been forced to file a lawsuit against Grupo Pachuca due to breaches concerning broadcasting rights for Club Pachuca and Club León matches." According to Díez, the ownership of Fox Sports México was transferred to Grupo Lauman at the end of 2021, under the condition of exclusive use of the brand.
He emphasized, “Fox Sports México operates under the exclusive license granted by Grupo Lauman, which makes it distinct from Fox Sports Estados Unidos. Our most significant asset includes the transmission rights for games involving Club Pachuca and Club León, which are protected by contract clauses.” Notably, Grupo Pachuca recognizes having violated the agreement, as they negotiated directly with Fox Corporation without consulting Grupo Lauman as stipulated by the contract.
"Grupo Pachuca has acknowledged the breach of our agreement," Díez stated. "They have confirmed they negotiated directly with Fox Corporation, failing to inform us and allowing us to exercise our right to first refusal on those broadcasting agreements." He noted this scenario raises serious questions about the legal pathway forward, emphasizing, "It’s concerning they’re claiming Grupo Lauman owes them money, but we should resolve these issues through the courts. The two matters are entirely separate.”
The situation escalated as Grupo Lauman issued their statement asserting their valid contract to utilize the Fox Sports name. Released on March 6, 2025, this communication insisted their relationship with the Fox Sports brand exists because of agreements with no involvement from Fox Corporation. Their contract remains valid for at least five years from November 2021, emphasizing its exclusivity.
"We affirm our right to use the Fox Sports brand is legally intact, and any declarations from Fox Corporation about terminating our license hold no legal ground," expressed the statement from Grupo Lauman. "Our operations continue unaffected as we fulfill commitments to our audience, fans, and business partners. Following the disclosures from Fox Corporation, we confirm the validity of our agreements."
The legal tussle gained momentum as Fox Corporation announced it would cease Grupo Lauman's right to use the Fox Sports brand, claiming to have obtained court orders to legally uphold its business operations. Fox Corporation maintains their stance, stating, "The allegations presented by Grupo Lauman lack foundation. We were granted written authorization to negotiate directly with Club Pachuca and Club León since their contracts with Grupo Lauman had expired, leading to noncompliance on their part." آنها همچنین تأیید کردند که حق پخش این باشگاه ها را از طریق Tubi ادامه خواهند داد.
Concerns have emerged over the fight for control amid reports indicating Grupo Lauman recently lost transmission rights for various contracts, including the NFL, Concachampions, and the Premier League. During this embattled period, Grupo Lauman has been involved offensively with CONCACAF and Fox Corporation. “Fox Corporation has fully canceled Grupo Lauman's licensing agreement for the Fox Sports brand," the organization stated, presenting their argument against the existing claims.
Meanwhile, Fox Sports México has publicly rejected Fox Corporation's claims, reasserting their stance on the validity of their established agreements. “Our contract governing the Fox Sports brand remains effective; no negotiation with Fox Corporation can compromise this position due to its enduring legality for at least the next five years.” They aim to alleviate fears among their followers and stakeholders, reaffirming their strong presence as they continue broadcasting.
While both sides gear up for what promises to be intense legal proceedings, the battle ignites dialogue across sports broadcasting discussions, especially concerning trademark ownership and broadcasting rights within Mexico.
Díez has also suggested there seems to be an aggressive strategy from Fox Corporation aimed to delegitimize Fox Sports México's operations, which might be seen as attempting to reinstate their presence back to the Mexican media market from which they withdrew since 2019. During this strategic push, he mentioned, "This is indicative of approaching maneuvers aimed at hurting FOX Sports Mexico's business, leveraging their assets for eventually re-entering the market."
“We are committed to protecting our assets vigorously," he summed up. "It is clear this dispute will play out on multiple fronts, but our promises to our stakeholders and audiences remain unchanged.”
This legal situation signifies not only the battle over broadcasting rights but the greater conflict between corporate interests and the rights of license holders, spotlighting the challenges facing media companies amid rapid technological and market shifts.