Netflix recently secured the U.S. broadcasting rights for the prestigious FIFA Women’s World Cup tournament: the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Announced by the sports federation on Dec. 20, the streaming giant will now be taking on its next major live sports endeavor with the 2027 and 2031 FIFA Women’s World Cup tournaments. This marks Netflix’s first full acquisition of the tournament, making it the first time the World Cup will be available for streaming in the U.S.
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In addition to live English and Spanish broadcasts, Netflix has also promised exclusive documentary content centered around the teams and players leading up to the tournament. Netflix’s chief content officer Bela Bajaria stated, “Our unprecedented success with the Amanda Serrano vs. Katie Taylor match has shown the massive interest in women’s sports and live broadcasts.”
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“I have witnessed the tremendous growth in fandom for the FIFA Women’s World Cup — from the vibrant atmosphere in France in 2019 to the incredible energy in Australia and New Zealand in 2023. Bringing this iconic tournament to Netflix goes beyond just broadcasting matches; it’s about honoring the players, the culture, and the passion fueling the global rise of women’s sports,” Bajaria added.
This decision marks a departure from FIFA’s traditional live broadcast approach for global events and represents a potential risk for viewers. However, FIFA believes that the Netflix deal could be the optimal choice for the Women’s World Cup, citing decreasing bids from broadcasters prior to the 2023 event. Moreover, the partnership has the potential to benefit Netflix, as the 2019 games attracted over a billion viewers.
On a broader level, FIFA has been criticized for perpetuating gender inequality in the sport. In 2023, the organization announced a significant increase in prize money to $150 million for the Women’s World Cup as part of a three-year gender equity plan. The plan also includes initiatives to enhance female representation in coaching and administrative roles at FIFA, as well as a collaboration with UN Women.
“This partnership highlights the true value of the FIFA Women’s World Cup and the global women’s game,” stated FIFA President Gianni Infantino. “The collaboration between FIFA and Netflix on this historic day represents a significant milestone for broadcasting and women’s football.”
