Netflix and FIFA agree on a deal for the 2027, 2031 Women’s World Cup

Netflix and FIFA have agreed a deal that will see the streaming giant gain exclusive US broadcast rights to the next two FIFA Women’s World Cup tournaments, soccer’s global governing body confirmed on Friday.

The 2027 edition of the World Cup is set for Brazil, while a host has yet to be finalized for the 2031 tournament. The US is expected to make a bid.

FIFA separated media rights from the men’s bidding for the first time for the 2027 and 2031 Women’s World Cups. Fox has the men’s World Cup deal until 2026, paving the way for FIFA’s separate bidding process for later events.

“This is a watershed moment for sports media rights,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino. “As a marquee brand and FIFA’s new long-term partner, Netflix has shown a very strong level of commitment to growing women’s football.

“This deal sends a strong message about the real value of the FIFA Women’s World Cup and the global women’s game. The FIFA and Netflix partnership makes this a truly historic day for broadcasting and for women’s football.”

The deal announced on Friday is the most significant FIFA has signed with a streaming service for a major tournament. No value was given, although international competitions in women’s football have struggled to attract high-value bids.

The World Cup is typically broadcast on free-to-air public networks to reach the largest audience. The 32-team, 64-game tournament in 2027 will be played June 24-25. July in Brazil.

A FIFA report published in 2019 said 1.12 billion viewers watched the 2019 Women’s World Cup, which was won by the United States. The 2023 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand recorded the highest US viewership ever for a group stage match.

Spain won the event in 2023 after the United States won in 2015 as well as 2019.

Information from The Associated Press contributed to this report.