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Netflix Gets Next 2 Women’s World Cups As Streamer Continues Foray Into Sports

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Netflix Gets Next 2 Women’s World Cups As Streamer Continues Foray Into Sports

Topline

The next two FIFA Women’s World Cup tournaments, to be held in 2027 and 2031, will be streamed exclusively on Netflix in the first ever broadcasting deal to separate the women’s tournament from the men’s, marking a major victory for the streamer as it works to break into the world of live sports.

Key Facts

FIFA on Friday confirmed that the next two women’s tournaments will be streamed exclusively on Netflix in the most significant deal FIFA has ever signed with a streaming service—though how much Netflix paid for the rights was not disclosed.

In addition to broadcasting the tournament, Netflix said it plans to produce documentary programming spotlighting top players and exploring the explosion of women’s soccer globally, and said “studio shows and top-tier talent will supplement coverage with commentary and entertainment.”

The deal represents the first time FIFA has ever sold rights to the women’s tournaments separately from the men’s—which will be aired on Fox and Telemundo through 2026—and marks a change from the usual practice of broadcasting the tournaments on free-to-air public networks.

The deal is also major milestone for Netflix as it continues to pursue live entertainment: the streamer last month broadcast a boxing match between Jake Paul and Mike Tyson to 108 million people (to mixed success), will air a double-header of NFL Christmas Day games next week and, in January, WWE “Raw” will stream live on Netflix from the new Intuit Dome in Los Angeles.

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Key Background

The 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup will run from June 24 to July 25. A total of 32 teams from across the world will compete in 12 cities throughout Brazil, the host country. It will be the first FIFA Women’s World Cup to be held in South America and will make Brazil the sixth country to ever host both the men’s and women’s World Cups. The 2031 women’s tournament location has not yet been announced, but the U.S. is expected to make a bid. Other potential bidders include China, Japan, England, Morocco and South Africa, FIFA is expected to make a choice on the host country in the second quarter of 2025.

Big Number

1.12 billion. That’s how many people watched the 2019 Women’s World Cup across the world, FIFA said (Fox and NBC Sports had the American broadcasting rights). The U.S. victory over the Netherlands in the final was watched live by 263.6 million people to become the most-watched match in tournament history, and the 2023 tournament set a new record for the most-watched group stage match in tournament history when 6.43 million people watched the U.S. draw against the Netherlands.

Tangent

FIFA earlier this month confirmed the 2034 Men’s World Cup will be hosted by Saudi Arabia in a controversial move that has drawn criticism to both the organization and the country. Saudi Arabia was the only host to submit a competitive bid for the 2034 tournament, but it was done after a rushed process that appeared unfair to other countries and was widely seen as part of the country’s continued efforts to modernize its global image. Advocates have also said they worry migrant and labor abuses that plagued Qatar’s 2022 World Cup preparations will repeat as Saudi Arabia gets ready to host the event.

Further Reading

ForbesSaudi Arabia Confirmed As 2034 World Cup Host—Here’s Why It’s So ControversialBy Mary Whitfill Roeloffs
ForbesThe Highest-Paid Players At The 2023 Women’s World CupBy Brett KnightForbesThe Women’s World Cup Was TV’s Most-Watched Show Amid Record-Breaking ViewershipBy Mary Whitfill Roeloffs

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