El Rey Network was one of two ethnic outlets created as part of an agreement between Comcast, NBC Universal, and the FCC as a condition for the merger between the former two broadcasters (the other network being Revolt).
Between 2018 and 2020, various cable and satellite providers began dropping the network. On November 6, 2020, Univision announced it had sold its stake in El Rey, as part of a larger effort by the company to refocus on its core Spanish-language businesses. Soon after, it would be reported that El Rey would cease operations on December 31, though it was speculated that the network would relaunch as a streaming brand. The network went dark at 11:59 p.m. Pacific.
Rodman, Sarah (January 26, 2014). "New cable networks hope to blaze a trail". Boston Globe. Vol. 285, no. 26. pp. N1, N8 – via Newspapers.com. https://newspapers.com/clip/43199728/new_cable_networks_pgn1/
Seidman, Robert (February 22, 2015). "Distribution approximation as of March 2015". TV by the Numbers. Zap2it. Archived from the original on March 13, 2015. Retrieved March 14, 2015. https://variety.com/2015/tv/news/robert-rodriguezs-el-rey-network-builds-heat-with-young-latinos-1201450851//
Avalos, Regina (December 30, 2020). "El Rey Network: Robert Rodriguez Channel to End on Thursday". TV Series Finale. Retrieved January 1, 2021. https://tvseriesfinale.com/tv-show/el-rey-network-robert-rodriguez-channel-to-end-on-thursday/
Rodman, Sarah (January 26, 2014). "New cable networks hope to blaze a trail". Boston Globe. Vol. 285, no. 26. pp. N1, N8 – via Newspapers.com. https://newspapers.com/clip/43199728/new_cable_networks_pgn1/
Dinges, Gary (June 11, 2014). "El Rey network to be based in Austin". Austin American-Statesman. Vol. 143, no. 321. Austin, Texas: Cox Media Group. pp. B7, B8. Archived from the original on January 29, 2020. Retrieved January 29, 2020 – via Newspapers.com. Note: the link provided is for page B7; here is the link to page B8 Archived January 29, 2020, at the Wayback Machine. https://newspapers.com/clip/43211508/el_rey_network_to_be_based_in_austin/
"Comcast to start new minority-owned cable channels". Sports Illustrated. February 21, 2012. Archived from the original on October 23, 2013. Retrieved February 24, 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20131023060714/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/basketball/nba/wires/02/21/2080.ap.bkn.tv.comcast.minority.networks.1st.ld.writethru.0740/
Molloy, Tim (February 21, 2012). "Comcast Announces New Networks With Magic Johnson, Sean Combs, Robert Rodriguez". Reuters. Archived from the original on October 13, 2017. Retrieved February 24, 2012. https://www.reuters.com/article/idUS72706264920120221
"El Rey Network Announces Antoinette Alfonso Zel As CEO". PR Newswire. August 6, 2012. Retrieved August 24, 2013. http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/el-rey-network-announces-antoinette-alfonso-zel-as-ceo-165182656.html
"Univision Communications and El Rey Network Announce Strategic Partnership, Unveil Upcoming Scripted Series". Univision. May 14, 2013. Archived from the original on September 27, 2013. Retrieved August 24, 2013. https://web.archive.org/web/20130927134405/http://corporate.univision.com/2013/press/univision-communications-and-el-rey-network-announce-strategic-partnership-unveil-upcoming-scripted-series/#.Uhhj_T_PW2k
"Univision pairs with Rodriguez on El Rey network". Associated Press. May 14, 2013. Archived from the original on October 7, 2013. Retrieved August 24, 2013. https://web.archive.org/web/20131007161502/http://bigstory.ap.org/article/univision-pairs-rodriguez-el-rey-network
"T2's Robert Patrick & More Join 'From Dusk Till Dawn: The Series', by Craig Hunter". Archived from the original on November 17, 2020. Retrieved November 29, 2013. http://www.thehollywoodnews.com/2013/11/17/t2s-robert-patrick-join-dusk-till-dawn-series/
de la Fuente, Anna Marie (February 13, 2014). "Univision's Fourth Quarter, Full Year Revenue Rises". Variety. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved February 4, 2015. https://variety.com/2014/tv/news/univisions-fourth-quarter-full-year-revenue-rises-1201102551/
"Univision, Time Warner Cable strike new distribution deal". Los Angeles Times. October 9, 2013. Retrieved October 9, 2013. https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/cotown/la-et-ct-univision-time-warner-cable-distribution-deal-20131009,0,918265.story
Poggi, Jeanine (December 26, 2013). "New TV Networks Scorecard: Eight Cable Channels to Watch in 2014". Advertising Age. Archived from the original on February 4, 2015. Retrieved February 4, 2015. http://adage.com/article/media/tv-networks-scorecard-channels-watch-2014/245770/
"Bright House Networks Launches Univision Deportes Network and Univision tlNovelas". Bright House Networks. Archived from the original on February 4, 2015. Retrieved February 4, 2015. http://brighthouse.com/about/about-us/newsroom/2013/bright-house-networkslaunchesunivisiondeportesnetworkandunivisio.html
de la Fuente, Anna Marie (February 13, 2014). "Univision's Fourth Quarter, Full Year Revenue Rises". Variety. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved February 4, 2015. https://variety.com/2014/tv/news/univisions-fourth-quarter-full-year-revenue-rises-1201102551/
"DIRECTV Rumor Alert (El Rey Network launched 1/1)". satelliteguys.us. December 28, 2013. http://www.satelliteguys.us/xen/threads/directv-rumor-alert-el-rey-network-launched-1-1.327189/
Caldwell, James (July 10, 2014). "AAA news: El Rey announces AAA Lucha Libre show for U.S. TV - timeslot, show title, more details". Pro Wrestling Torch. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved July 10, 2014. http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Other_News_4/article_79511.shtml
"Lucha Underground promotion TV debut moved back three weeks". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. September 22, 2014. Archived from the original on July 12, 2015. Retrieved September 23, 2014. http://www.f4wonline.com/more/more-top-stories/118-daily-updates/39066-lucha-underground-promotion-tv-debut-moved-back-three-weeks
"5/20 Moore's Lucha Underground Review: The Crew vs. Son of Havoc, Ivelisse, and Angelico in a Ladder Match for the Lucha Underground Trios Championship, Marty The Moth vs. Prince Puma, Daivari vs. Texano". Prowrestling.net. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved November 4, 2015. http://prowrestling.net/article.php?5-20-Moore-s-Lucha-Underground-Review-The-Crew-vs.-Son-of-Havoc-Ivelisse-and-Angelico-in-a-Ladder-Match-for-the-Lucha-Underground-Trios-Championship-Marty-The-Moth-vs.-Prince-Puma-Daivari-vs.-Texano-42342
"Lucha Underground: A new era in wrestling". ESPN. January 27, 2016. Archived from the original on September 15, 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160915092550/http://www.espn.com/video/clip?id=14656680
Reynolds, Mike (January 29, 2015). "Dish Inks Distribution Deal with El Rey". MultiChannel News. NewBay Media. Archived from the original on January 31, 2015. Retrieved January 30, 2015. http://www.multichannel.com/news/distribution/dish-inks-distibution-deal-el-rey/387436
Farrell, Mike (February 3, 2015). "Suddenlink Launches El Rey Network". Multichannel News. Retrieved February 4, 2015. http://www.multichannel.com/news/news-articles/suddenlink-launches-el-rey-network/387597
"Univision Exits Minority Position in El Rey, Enabling El Rey to Continue as an Independently Owned Entertainment Company" (Press release). Business Wire. November 7, 2020. Retrieved November 11, 2020. https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20201106005592/en/Univision-Exits-Minority-Position-in-El-Rey-Enabling-El-Rey-to-Continue-as-an-Independently-Owned-Entertainment-Company
Hayes, Dade (April 8, 2019). "Univision Finalizes Sale Of Former Gawker Portfolio And The Onion To Private Equity Firm Great Hill Partners". Deadline. Archived from the original on January 11, 2021. Retrieved August 15, 2019. https://deadline.com/2019/04/univision-finalizes-sale-of-former-gawker-portfolio-and-the-onion-to-private-equity-firm-great-hill-partners-1202591007/
Maclean, Amy (December 8, 2020). "El Rey Contemplates Next Steps As Network to Shut Down". CableFax. Archived from the original on July 9, 2021. Retrieved December 9, 2020. https://www.cablefax.com/programming/new-plan-el-rey-to-shutter-network-at-end-of-year
"Schedule for El Rey Network". El Rey Network. Archived from the original on December 31, 2020. Retrieved December 31, 2020.[1] Archived December 31, 2020, at the Wayback Machine https://www.elreynetwork.com/schedule/2020-12-31
Faughnder, Ryan (August 6, 2021). "Robert Rodriguez's El Rey Network to revive through streaming after going dark". LA Times. Retrieved August 7, 2021. https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/business/story/2021-08-06/robert-rodriguez-charts-new-course-for-el-rey-network
Spangler, Todd (August 6, 2021). "Robert Rodriguez's El Rey Network Cable Channel to Be Rebooted for Streaming With Cinedigm". Variety. Retrieved August 7, 2021. https://variety.com/2021/digital/news/robert-rodriguez-el-rey-network-streaming-cinedigm-1235036257/
Hayes, Dade (August 6, 2021). "Robert Rodriguez's El Rey Network Segues From Cable TV To Streaming In Deal With Cinedigm". Deadline. Archived from the original on August 8, 2021. Retrieved August 7, 2021. https://deadline.com/2021/08/robert-rodriguez-el-rey-network-cable-tv-streaming-cinedigm-1234810494/
"The Roku Channel". https://therokuchannel.roku.com/
"Fuse Media Named Exclusive English Language Partner of Combate Global". Combate Global. February 24, 2024. https://www.combateglobal.com/en/fuse-media-es-nombrado-socio-exclusivo-en-ingles-de-combate-global-la-principal-franquicia-hispana-de-deportes-de-artes-marciales-mixtas-mma
EL REY REBEL FAST CHANNEL PARTNERS WITH OSCAR DE LA HOYA’S GOLDEN BOY PROMOTIONS TO UNVEIL SERIES OF CLASSIC FIGHTS BEGINNING FRIDAY, MAY 3; Press release via 15 Rounds; April 24, 2024; retrieved on August 10, 2024 https://www.15rounds.com/2024/04/24/el-rey-rebel-fast-channel-partners-with-oscar-de-la-hoyas-golden-boy-promotions-to-unveil-series-of-classic-fights-beginning-friday-may-3/?amp=1
Fuse Media expands distribution on DirecTV with launch of two FAST channels - Señal News; June 18, 2024; retrieved on August 10, 2024 https://senalnews.com/en/content/fuse-media-expands-distribution-on-directv-with-launch-of-two-fast-channels
"Shows on El Rey Network". Archived from the original on November 21, 2018. Retrieved November 20, 2018. https://www.elreynetwork.com/shows
"El Rey Network To Air Legendary "Baja Desert Championship: Baja 500" On August 6th At 5 PM ET". Deadline Hollywood (Press release). Archived from the original on December 5, 2017. Retrieved December 4, 2017. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/el-rey-network-to-air-legendary-baja-desert-championship--baja-500-on-august-6th-at-5-pm-et-300496643.html
"Martial Arts Series 'Bushido Battleground' Gets Green Light At El Rey Network". Deadline Hollywood. July 27, 2017. Retrieved October 18, 2017. https://deadline.com/2017/07/martial-arts-series-bushido-battleground-el-rey-network-1202137579/amp/
"El Rey Network Adds Pair of Evening Talk Shows". Multichannel.com. April 16, 2019. Retrieved May 13, 2017. https://www.multichannel.com/news/el-rey-network-adds-pair-talk-shows
Negley, Erin (April 6, 2015). "Making the Cut". LNP. Vol. 220, no. 292. Lancaster, Pennsylvania: Steinman Communications. Archived from the original on January 29, 2020. Retrieved January 29, 2020 – via Newspapers.com. https://newspapers.com/clip/43210602/making_the_cut_pt1/
"Two El Rey Series Stream Over to VRV". Archived from the original on August 13, 2018. Retrieved August 13, 2018. https://www.multichannel.com/news/two-el-rey-series-move-exclusively-vrv-417728
"El Rey Network Adds Pair of Evening Talk Shows". Multichannel.com. April 16, 2019. Retrieved May 13, 2017. https://www.multichannel.com/news/el-rey-network-adds-pair-talk-shows
Starace, Alex (Winter 2017). "Animation Creation: Octopie Network Spreads its Tentacles". International Opulence Magazine. Fort Lauderdale, Florida: Horizon Publishing. p. 99. Retrieved January 24, 2020. Note: Scroll down the target page to the digital magazine for Winter 2017/2018 and access page 99. http://www.internationalopulence.com/current-past-issues/
Rodman, Sarah (January 26, 2014). "New cable networks hope to blaze a trail". Boston Globe. Vol. 285, no. 26. pp. N1, N8 – via Newspapers.com. https://newspapers.com/clip/43199728/new_cable_networks_pgn1/
"Man at Arms: Art of War: Season 1" Archived August 20, 2017, at the Wayback Machine. El Rey Network. Retrieved October 12, 2017. http://www.elreynetwork.com/originals/man-at-arms-art-of-war_season-1
El Rey Network Greenlights Second Season Of ‘Man At Arms: Art Of War’ https://www.multichannel.com/pr-feed/el-rey-network-greenlights-second-season-man-arms-art-war-417495
Rodman, Sarah (January 26, 2014). "New cable networks hope to blaze a trail". Boston Globe. Vol. 285, no. 26. pp. N1, N8 – via Newspapers.com. https://newspapers.com/clip/43199728/new_cable_networks_pgn1/
"El Rey Network To Boost Original Content By 50%; 'From Dusk Till Dawn' Still In Limbo – TCA". Deadline Hollywood. January 13, 2017. Retrieved December 4, 2017. https://deadline.com/2017/01/el-rey-network-new-series-from-dusk-till-dawn-status-1201885462/
"El Rey Network to show marathon of Muhammad Ali's 1977 animated series". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved November 20, 2018. https://www.baltimoresun.com/la-et-st-muhammad-ali-cartoon-el-rey-network-20160606-snap-story.html