Netflix has made headlines with its historic acquisition of the exclusive broadcasting rights for the FIFA Women’s World Cup for both 2027 and 2031. This groundbreaking deal marks Netflix as the first streaming platform to secure such rights for the prestigious tournament, representing a meaningful pivot from its traditional focus on documentary series to live sports broadcasting.
The 2027 Women’s World Cup is scheduled to take place from June 24 to July 25, 2027, and will be hosted by Brazil, making it the first time this tournament will be held on South American soil. The host nation for the 2031 Women’s World Cup has yet to be determined. With this agreement, which encompasses broadcast rights for Puerto Rico and will include coverage in both English and Spanish, Netflix is poised to reach millions of potential viewers across the United States.
This momentous deal was hailed by FIFA President Gianni Infantino as one of the most significant developments within sports media rights. “This is a landmark moment for sports media rights,” Infantino stated. “Netflix has shown a very strong level of commitment to growing women’s football.” He also emphasized the value of the Women’s World Cup and its potential to reach wider audiences through Netflix’s platform. “FIFA and Netflix partnering together makes this a truly historic day for broadcasting and for women’s football,” he added.
Netflix’s comprehensive coverage plan includes live streaming of all matches, coupled with exciting studio shows and expert commentary to engage viewers. This multidimensional approach goes beyond mere match coverage, as Netflix aims to produce exclusive documentaries spotlighting rising stars and the growing popularity of women's football worldwide. Bela Bajaria, Netflix’s Chief Content Officer, remarked, “Bringing this iconic tournament to Netflix isn’t just about streaming matches, it’s also about celebrating the players, the culture, and the passion driving the global rise of women’s sport.”
With FIFA reporting Netflix’s estimated 67 million users, the partnership sets the stage for significant audience growth. This also reflects Netflix’s strategy of leveraging live sports to bolster engagement and attract new subscribers. The decision to air the Women’s World Cup exclusively marks a departure from FIFA’s typical collaborations with over-the-air broadcasters, as observed with previous tournaments like the Men’s World Cup, which was handled by networks like Fox.
This shift is notable, especially as interest and investment around women’s soccer have surged over the years. The previous editions of the Women’s World Cup have experienced unprecedented viewer engagement, culminating with record-breaking numbers during the recent tournaments hosted by Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand, which solidified the tournament’s global appeal.
The acquisition also highlights Netflix’s move toward more live sports. Previously, the streaming giant has broadcasted other events and sports programming, including boxing matches and increased offerings for wrestling programming. Netflix’s successful streaming of the boxing showdown between Jake Paul and Mike Tyson, which attracted over 108 million viewers, showcased its growing foothold within live sports. Upcoming programming will also feature NFL games and the WWE’s flagship show, RAW, which will be part of Netflix's expansive live sports content delivery.
Despite its aggressive strides, Netflix has faced some challenges with live streaming, with initial buffering issues during the boxing event. Yet, the significant interest surrounding live sports on streaming platforms positions Netflix as poised to succeed as it refines these offerings. The engagement around the Women’s World Cup will likely resonate with diverse audiences, particularly with 41 million Americans who speak Spanish as their first language, enhancing access and inclusivity for sports enthusiasts.
This agreement with FIFA is expected to redefine the broadcasting and viewership paradigm for women’s sports. It sets the stage for higher engagement levels as the Women’s World Cup enters the U.S. market at a time when interest is at its peak and the demand for quality women’s professional sports content is steadily growing. Indeed, Netflix’s acquisition of the Women’s World Cup rights is not just about the upcoming tournaments but symbolizes the larger shift toward recognizing and valorizing women's sports on international platforms.
Both tournaments promise to contribute significantly to the evolution of women’s football, as Netflix carries forward the mission of amplifying these athletes' stories, the vibrant culture surrounding them, and the passionate fans who support them. With this partnership, FIFA and Netflix are poised to showcase the thrilling and rapidly growing world of women’s sports to audiences who are eager for more content
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