Historic Broadcast Shift: Telemundo to Air Carolina Panthers Preseason Games in Spanish for the First Time, Signaling Bold New Era of Fan Engagement Across the Carolinas
In a groundbreaking move that highlights the evolving landscape of sports broadcasting and fan engagement, Gray Television has announced that its Telemundo-affiliated stations will begin airing Carolina Panthers preseason games in Spanish, opening up a powerful and unprecedented avenue for connecting with Hispanic audiences across the Carolinas. For a franchise that has long prided itself on community connection and regional representation, this decision marks a significant cultural and strategic milestone. It’s more than just a change in language—it’s a bold recognition of the changing demographics of NFL fans, and a statement that the Panthers are ready to lead in inclusivity and accessibility.
The decision to air preseason games in Spanish via Telemundo isn’t just a symbolic gesture. It’s a move rooted in data, passion, and purpose. The Hispanic population in North and South Carolina has grown rapidly over the past decade, and with it, a new generation of sports fans has emerged—fans who love football, love their communities, and want to feel fully welcomed into the game-day experience. For years, Spanish-language broadcasts of NFL games were largely confined to major markets like Los Angeles, Dallas, and Miami. But now, with the Panthers stepping up and expanding their reach in this unique way, the Carolinas are embracing the future of fandom.
Gray’s Telemundo stations, including outlets in Charlotte, Raleigh, and other regional cities, will now serve as the primary Spanish-language broadcast partners for the Panthers’ preseason slate. Viewers tuning in will be treated not only to live play-by-play coverage in Spanish, but also to culturally tailored commentary, storytelling, and features designed to resonate with Latino viewers on a deeper level. The goal is not simply to translate, but to transform—to provide a game-day experience that feels authentic, inclusive, and celebratory of the vibrant culture that now makes up a significant portion of the team’s fanbase.
The Panthers’ preseason games often provide a first look at the team’s newest players, coaching strategies, and rising stars. With Spanish-language broadcasts in place, even more fans will get the opportunity to connect with the team from the very beginning of the season. Whether it’s watching a rookie quarterback take his first NFL snaps, or seeing how veterans are adjusting to a new system, Telemundo’s coverage will ensure that Spanish-speaking fans are right there for every critical moment. And with analysts and broadcasters who understand both the game and the culture of their audience, the experience promises to be both informative and emotionally resonant.
Behind the scenes, this partnership between Gray Television and the Panthers has been in the works for months. Executives on both sides recognized the need for more inclusive content and worked together to craft a plan that was ambitious yet thoughtful. Broadcast teams have been assembled with care, ensuring that the Spanish-language coverage will be every bit as professional, dynamic, and engaging as the traditional English broadcasts. The goal is parity, not hierarchy. Every fan, regardless of language, deserves to feel like a priority.
What makes this move especially meaningful is that it isn’t happening in a vacuum. Across the NFL, there’s a growing awareness of the importance of reaching diverse audiences in authentic ways. From international games to multicultural fan festivals, the league has been pushing the boundaries of what fan engagement looks like. The Panthers are now at the forefront of that push in the Carolinas, setting a new standard that other teams will likely follow. By giving Spanish-speaking fans their own dedicated broadcast experience, the Panthers are telling a generation of supporters: we see you, we value you, and we want you in this with us from start to finish.
The response from the community has already been overwhelmingly positive. Social media lit up with excitement following the announcement, with fans expressing joy and gratitude for the recognition. Parents shared how their children would now be able to watch the games with grandparents who speak only Spanish. Longtime Panthers fans who have never heard a Spanish-language broadcast of their team described the move as emotional and overdue. Local Latino business owners see the potential for deeper partnerships and increased visibility. This is about more than football—it’s about belonging.
On a larger scale, the Panthers’ decision also reflects a savvy understanding of market dynamics. As the NFL continues to battle for attention in a crowded media environment, engaging with diverse audiences becomes not just a moral imperative, but a competitive advantage. Teams that build authentic relationships with multicultural communities are building the next generation of lifelong fans. They’re not just selling tickets—they’re building legacies. And in this case, that legacy now includes entire families, neighborhoods, and communities who might once have felt like outsiders but are now being given front-row access to the team they love.
Gray Television, with its extensive reach and credibility, is the perfect partner for this venture. Telemundo has long been a trusted voice in Spanish-language media, known for high-quality journalism, entertainment, and sports coverage. Bringing NFL preseason football into that mix is a natural evolution, one that blends professionalism with passion. Viewers can expect not only expert play-by-play analysis, but also halftime features, behind-the-scenes stories, and cultural spotlights that reflect the diverse fabric of the Carolinas.
The broadcasters tasked with calling the games bring with them a wealth of experience and a deep love for the sport. These are not outsiders parachuting in—they are insiders with roots in the community and a true understanding of the Latino fan experience. They know how to make the game come alive in Spanish, how to capture the emotion of a 4th-and-goal stand, how to explain the nuances of defensive shifts and offensive audibles in ways that resonate with both diehard fans and casual viewers. Their voices will become part of the Panthers’ soundscape in 2025, weaving themselves into the soundtrack of the season.
This season, as the Panthers prepare to launch a new campaign full of promise and possibility, they do so with a wider circle of fans than ever before. The players may not speak Spanish on the field, but through these broadcasts, their actions, passion, and triumphs will reach hearts and homes that might previously have felt disconnected. Whether it’s a touchdown, a game-saving tackle, or a rousing national anthem moment, every emotional beat of the preseason will now be shared across languages and cultures.
Of course, the move also carries with it long-term potential. While the initial rollout focuses on preseason games, there is already talk of expanding Spanish-language coverage into the regular season in future years. If the response continues to be strong—and all signs suggest that it will—this could be the beginning of a full-scale shift in how the Panthers engage with Spanish-speaking fans year-round. From radio segments to community events to digital content, the opportunities are endless.
In a sport where tradition often reigns supreme, bold moves like this can feel revolutionary. But at its heart, this is a return to what football has always been about—bringing people together. In stadiums, in living rooms, around radios and TV sets, fans unite in their love for the game. Now, thanks to Gray Television and Telemundo, even more fans will be able to join in that experience in a way that feels personal, meaningful, and real.
For the Panthers, this move is about more than ratings or reach. It’s about embracing their full community, recognizing the power of diversity, and committing to a future where every fan has a voice. It’s about ensuring that when the team takes the field, it represents all of Charlotte, all of North Carolina, all of South Carolina—and everyone who calls the Carolinas home. This season, when the Panthers’ preseason kicks off and those first Spanish words echo through Telemundo’s broadcast, a new chapter will begin. A chapter defined by connection, by culture, and by a belief that the roar of the Panthers can, and should, be heard in every language
