FIFA Eyes New Broadcasting Deal for World Cup as Disney and Netflix Enter $2 Billion Bidding Battle
After a decade of holding the US broadcast rights to the FIFA World Cup, Fox may lose its grip. FIFA is aiming for a fresh partnership to reflect the growing popularity of soccer in the United States.
The upcoming bidding war for the 2030 World Cup rights could be one of the biggest ever seen in sports media. Industry giants like Netflix, Disney, and YouTube are reportedly eager to challenge Fox for this coveted contract.
Massive $1.5 to $2 Billion Deal on the Horizon
Sources including Alex Sherman from CNBC reveal that FIFA wants to strike a deal valued between $1.5 billion and $2 billion. This would cover the centennial edition of the tournament, marking 100 years since its inception. Negotiations are expected to kick off soon after the current World Cup wraps up.
One Partner for Both English and Spanish Broadcasts
Unlike the current arrangement, where Fox holds English-language rights and NBC Universal's Telemundo has Spanish-language rights in the US, FIFA plans to consolidate these into a single partnership. This approach might simplify coverage but also changes the landscape for broadcasters.
Fans should be aware that the 2030 and 2034 World Cups will take place in time zones less convenient for American viewers. This factor could influence how much media companies are willing to pay.
Earlier this year, securing broadcast rights for markets like India and China proved challenging due to inconvenient airing times. This could be a warning sign for the US negotiations.
