Netflix to stream FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2027, 2031

On By Littum

Esther Gonzalez of Spain kisses the FIFA Women’s World Cup Trophy after the team’s victory in the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Final match between Spain and England at Stadium Australia on August 20, 2023 in Sydney / Gadigal, Australia.

Alex Pantling – Fifa | FIFA | Getty Images

Netflix on Friday announced it has secured exclusive US rights to the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2027 and 2031.

The announcement comes just days before Netflix will stream its first-ever National League Football Christmas Day games. Adding the Women’s World Cup to its portfolio shows that the streaming giant continues to expand its portfolio of sports rights. It also comes as the popularity of women’s sports has increased in the last year.

“I’ve seen fandom for the FIFA Women’s World Cup grow tremendously – from the electric atmosphere in France in 2019 and most recently the incredible energy in Australia and New Zealand in 2023,” Netflix Chief Content Officer Bela Bajaria said in a press release. “Bringing this iconic tournament to Netflix isn’t just about streaming matches – it’s about celebrating the players, the culture and the passion that drives the global rise of women’s sport.”

The 2027 tournament will take place in 12 cities in Brazil. The host country for the 2031 tournament has not yet been announced.

Netflix said coverage of the Women’s World Cup will include commentary and entertainment from studio shows and top talent, as well as Netflix original documentaries about major players and the sport’s rapidly growing fan base in the run-up to the tournament.

The Women’s World Cup has continued to grow in popularity, with more people in the United States tuning in to the women’s final in 2019 than the men’s in 2018. US viewership decreased significantly in 2023, however, after the two-time defending champions were knocked out in the round of 16.

As audiences for the WNBA and the women’s national soccer team have grown significantly in the United States, soccer remains one of the most popular sports globally.

Netflix has 282.7 million global memberships, and the streamer has pushed for growth internationally in part through its cheaper, ad-supported tier.

Sports media rights have also exploded in valuation for media companies as live sports attract the largest audiences.

Netflix has continued to grow into the sports category, streaming a Mike Tyson-Jake Paul fight last month that was watched by 108 million people, making it the most-streamed sporting event of all time, according to Netflix.

On Christmas Day, the streamer is set to cover the Kansas City Chiefs vs. Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens vs. Houston Texans.