In a groundbreaking move, FIFA has announced that Netflix will hold the exclusive broadcasting rights for the FIFA Women’s World Cup tournaments in 2027 and 2031 within the United States. This partnership marks the first time a major global football tournament will be streamed exclusively on a digital platform in the U.S., signaling a significant shift in sports media consumption.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, “This agreement sends a strong message about the real value of the FIFA Women’s World Cup and the global women’s game.”
Netflix plans to provide comprehensive coverage of both tournaments, including live streaming of all matches, star-studded studio shows, and exclusive documentary series spotlighting the world’s top players and the growth of women’s football. Bela Bajaria, Netflix’s Chief Content Officer, remarked, “We are thrilled to partner with FIFA to bring the excitement of the Women’s World Cup to our members, celebrating the athletes and the sport like never before.”
The 2027 Women’s World Cup is scheduled to take place in Brazil from June 24 to July 25, with the host nation for the 2031 tournament yet to be determined. The United States is expected to be among the bidders for the 2031 event.
This strategic partnership underscores the increasing value and popularity of women’s soccer on a global scale. It also reflects Netflix’s expanding ventures into live sports broadcasting, following its recent forays into streaming live events.
However, Netflix will need to address past technical challenges associated with live broadcasts to ensure a seamless viewing experience for audiences. The platform has previously encountered issues during live streaming of sporting events, which will need to be resolved ahead of these high-profile tournaments.
As the landscape of sports broadcasting continues to evolve, this partnership between FIFA and Netflix represents a significant milestone in the accessibility and promotion of women’s sports, offering fans unprecedented access to one of the world’s premier sporting events.
