Quito, Ecuador – The future of television rights for Ecuador’s national football team, known as *La Tri*, is undergoing a significant shift. Francisco Egas, president of the Ecuadorian Football Federation (FEF), has announced that the current contract with El Canal del Fútbol (ECDF) will conclude after the final friendly match before the 2026 FIFA World Cup, scheduled to begin on June 11th. This marks a potential turning point in how Ecuadorian football reaches its fans, with the FEF aiming for a more accessible and expansive broadcasting model.
“Our idea is to build a completely new model for the exploitation of rights,” Egas stated, hinting at forthcoming announcements regarding the changes. The move signals a departure from the existing exclusive arrangement and a commitment to broadening access to La Tri’s matches for supporters across the country.
The decision to overhaul the broadcasting model comes as Ecuador prepares for the expanded 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. The tournament’s increased scale – featuring 48 teams for the first time – underscores the importance of maximizing both revenue and viewership for participating nations. Ecuador secured their place in the competition with a strong showing in the recent CONMEBOL qualifying rounds, finishing second in the standings.
Egas emphasized the FEF’s dual objective: generating the necessary funds to sustain the organization’s activities while ensuring the national team remains accessible to all Ecuadorians. “But at the same time, we believe that the national team product is a product that must be within reach of all Ecuadorians,” he said. This sentiment reflects a growing trend in international football, where governing bodies are balancing commercial interests with the desire to connect with a wider fanbase.
The current contract with ECDF was established prior to Egas’s tenure as FEF president. He clarified that he inherited the agreement and its terms. “I inherited this contract with ECDF. It will conclude with the friendly before the World Cup,” he explained, distancing the current administration from the specifics of the existing deal. This allows the FEF to pursue a new strategy unburdened by previous commitments.
The shift towards a “massive” broadcasting model suggests the FEF is exploring options beyond a single, exclusive rights holder. This could involve partnerships with multiple broadcasters, streaming services, or even free-to-air television channels. Such a strategy would align with the FEF’s stated goal of maximizing reach and ensuring that as many Ecuadorian fans as possible can follow their national team. The potential for increased revenue from a broader distribution network is also a significant factor.
The financial health of the FEF has reportedly improved significantly under Egas’s leadership. According to a report from Metro Ecuador in October 2025, the federation has moved from a precarious financial position – with approximately $8.65 million in debt and a total of $26 million in liabilities upon Egas’s arrival – to achieving annual surpluses. This improved financial stability provides the FEF with greater flexibility in negotiating new broadcasting agreements.
The timing of this announcement also comes amidst discussions regarding a potential re-election bid for Egas. OneFootball reports that both FIFA and CONMEBOL reportedly support a possible re-election of Egas, suggesting confidence in his leadership and the direction he is taking the FEF.
As Ecuador continues its preparations for the 2026 World Cup, the changes to the television rights model represent a significant step towards a more sustainable and accessible future for the nation’s beloved football team. The next confirmed checkpoint for fans will be the announcement of the schedule for the pre-World Cup friendly matches, where the new broadcasting arrangements will first be put into practice.
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