Netflix has a deal with FIFA, the world football governing body, to broadcast the Women’s World Cup in the United States in 2027 and 2031.
This agreement, which was revealed on Friday, is the biggest one FIFA has ever made with a streaming service for a major competition. The value at stake, though, was not revealed.
In order to reach the largest audiences, World Cups are usually televised on public, free-to-air networks.
Gianni Infantino, the president of FIFA, publicly chastised public broadcasters, particularly those in Europe, for undervaluing offers to air the 2023 tournament, which was held in Australia and New Zealand. That tournament was broadcast by Fox in the U.S.
However, Gianni Infantino said in a statement that this deal sends a clear message about the true worth of the FIFA Women’s World Cup and the international women’s game.
FIFA will probably use the Netflix agreement to push more difficult negotiations with European broadcasters.
Brazil will host the 32-team, 64-game competition in 2027 from June 24 to July 25. The United States is anticipated to bid, but the host for 2031 has not yet been determined.
After the United States won the two prior tournaments, Spain emerged victorious in 2023.
Last month, Netflix made its foray into live sports, with over 60 million households tuning in to a highly anticipated boxing match between social media star Jake Paul and retired heavyweight legend Mike Tyson.
