• by David Goetzl  @dgoetzl, October 2, 2008

ESPN is giving its brand more visibility in both Europe and Mexico. Its North American Sports Network, which carries domestic programming, is taking on the ESPN America moniker, while it is part of a joint venture to launch a credit card south of the border.

The network re-branding will take place Feb. 1, when NASN carries the Super Bowl in several countries, including Germany and France. In addition to Europe, the channel reaches into the Middle East.

It carries a slew of live events, including 60 NFL games, and series such as "Pardon the Interruption" and "NASCAR Now."

In Mexico, there is now a Santander ESPN credit card, with the large bank as partner. The loyalty card offers opportunities to earn points to be used for tickets to the X Games Mexico and the ESPY Awards.

ESPN bought the North American Sports Network last year, now in 14 million European homes and 3 million in the Middle East.

ESPN has other businesses outside the U.S., including 34 networks and Web properties focusing on soccer and cricket.