FIFA opened bidding Oct. 22 for U.S. and Puerto Rico media rights to the 2030 men’s World Cup. Companies can also submit offers covering 2034, although the tender is specifically for 2030, Sports Business Journal reports.
Proposals are due Nov. 19. FIFA chief business officer Romy Gai told Variety the organization will consider separate deals for traditional TV and streaming, packages that combine them, and joint bids. FIFA would prefer to keep English- and Spanish-language rights under one umbrella, he said, but that is not mandatory.
The tender is the first time FIFA has taken these U.S. rights to the open market since 2011, according to Sports Business Journal. The outlet says previous English- and Spanish-language rightsholders Fox and NBCUniversal, which owns Telemundo, have expressed a desire to retain the rights, while ESPN has expressed interest in bidding.
Streaming companies are in the conversation, too, but reported interest does not establish a bid. Deadline says Netflix, YouTube, Apple and Amazon Prime Video were widely reported to be taking a close look. It also reports that former Netflix content chief Bela Bajaria said at a Financial Times conference that Netflix was “having those conversations” with FIFA.
Gai said FIFA intends to select a media partner before the end of 2026, CNBC reports. After the Nov. 19 deadline, FIFA could ask for another final bid or choose a winner, according to the outlet.
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