In an unprecedented turn of events, the highly anticipated Liga MX match between Pachuca and América scheduled for Saturday, April 5, 2025, will not be broadcast anywhere, leaving fans in both Mexico and the United States without a way to watch the game. This is the first time in the history of Mexican football that a match will not be available on any television or streaming platform.
The match, part of jornada 14 of the Clausura 2025 season, was set to kick off at 6 p.m. Central Time in the United States. However, a legal conflict involving Grupo Lauman has resulted in a complete blackout of the game. Pachuca's club management confirmed that the game would not be transmitted due to various legal actions taken against them, particularly those involving the owner of Grupo Lauman, Jesús Arroyo Rodríguez.
Pachuca released a statement expressing their disappointment that the match against América would not be available to fans. They noted that only those attending the game at Estadio Hidalgo would be able to witness the action live. The club stated, "We regret to inform our fans that due to legal issues, the match against América cannot be broadcast in Mexico or the United States." The statement highlighted that this situation arose from serious concerns regarding their agreement with Grupo Lauman, leading to the termination of their partnership.
Further complicating matters, FOX Sports, which had planned to broadcast the match through the Tubi platform, announced that they had ended their relationship with Grupo Lauman due to outstanding debts and various legal disputes. The club Pachuca and León, in a joint decision, opted to enter a new contract with FOX to air their matches on Tubi, but this arrangement has now been thwarted by ongoing legal issues.
Grupo Lauman is currently facing multiple lawsuits for alleged breaches of contract and debts owed to various entities, including banks and government agencies. The legal troubles have raised serious questions about the future of broadcasting Liga MX matches, particularly for clubs like Pachuca and León.
Adding to the confusion, TUDN, which had hoped to broadcast the match in the United States, was also blocked from doing so. They released a statement indicating that Pachuca had unjustifiably prevented them from airing the match, stating, "This arbitrary action means that fans in the United States of Club América, Pachuca, and Liga MX will not be able to watch the match scheduled for today." TUDN announced their intention to pursue legal action against Pachuca for breaching their contract.
As a result of these developments, the only option for fans wanting to follow the match will be through radio broadcasts on W Radio and W Deportes in Mexico. The game will be available at 5 p.m. local time, with Fernando Hernández Gómez officiating as the central referee.
Despite the broadcasting issues, the match itself holds significant implications for both teams. América, currently sitting atop the league table with 30 points, is looking to secure their place in the quarterfinals of the tournament. They have already clinched at least a spot in the repechage, and head coach André Jardine is eager to continue the team's strong performance this season. Jardine stated, "I’m very happy here, enjoying every day and every match." He aims for his tenth victory in the tournament, which would further solidify their position as title contenders.
On the other hand, Pachuca is fighting to improve their standing, currently sitting just outside the direct qualification zone for the quarterfinals. They are hoping to climb the table and secure a more favorable position as the season progresses.
In a broader context, the situation raises concerns about the potential impact of legal disputes on the viewing experience for fans. The Liga MX has expressed support for Pachuca in resolving these issues to ensure that fans can access their favorite teams' matches. The league issued a statement affirming their commitment to finding a solution that would allow fans to enjoy the games without interruption.
As the match day unfolds, the focus will be on those who can attend the game at Estadio Hidalgo, as they will be the only ones able to witness what promises to be an exciting clash between two of Liga MX's notable clubs. The Pachuca vs. América encounter is sure to be filled with competitive spirit, even if the majority of fans are left in the dark due to the ongoing legal troubles.
This situation serves as a stark reminder of the complexities surrounding sports broadcasting rights and the potential fallout from contractual disputes. As fans await resolution, the hope is that future matches will not be similarly affected, allowing everyone to enjoy the beautiful game.
