Home World Business Netflix Wins U.S. Rights for Women’s World Cups

Netflix Wins U.S. Rights for Women’s World Cups

Netflix Women's World Cup Rights
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California: Netflix has officially got the rights to broadcast live coverage of the 2027 and 2031 Women’s World Cups in the United States. This groundbreaking deal, announced by FIFA on Friday, marks the first time Netflix has acquired full live sports rights for a major competition.

A Commitment to Women’s Football

FIFA President Gianni Infantino expressed his excitement about the partnership, stating that Netflix, as a key brand and FIFA’s new long-term partner, has demonstrated a strong commitment to advancing women’s football. This collaboration marks a major step in promoting women’s sports and increasing their visibility on prominent platforms.

Upcoming Tournaments

The 2027 Women’s World Cup will be held in Brazil, but the host for the 2031 tournament has not been decided yet. Potential bidders for the 2031 event include England, a joint bid from the other British federations, and the United States.

Netflix’s Growing Sports Portfolio

Netflix has recently dipped its toes into the world of live sports broadcasting, most notably by airing the boxing match between Mike Tyson and Jake Paul. The fight attracted an impressive 60 million viewers, although it faced some technical issues during the live broadcast.

Along with the Women’s World Cup rights, Netflix will air two NFL games on December 25, thanks to a new three-year deal to broadcast Christmas Day matches, showcasing its expanding interest in live sports content.

Women’s World Cup in the UK

In the UK, the Women’s World Cup is considered one of the premier sporting events and is mandated to be offered to free-to-air broadcasters. The BBC and ITV aired the 2023 World Cup, attracting a peak audience of 12 million viewers for the final, in which Spain defeated England.

FIFA had previously threatened a television blackout in five countries, including the UK, due to what Infantino termed “disappointing” offers from broadcasters before the tournament.

Conclusion

Netflix’s acquisition of the Women’s World Cup broadcasting rights represents a significant milestone in the promotion of women’s sports and the evolution of streaming services in the sports broadcasting landscape. With this new partnership, fans can look forward to exciting live coverage of future tournaments, further solidifying the importance of women’s football on a global stage.

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