American streaming giant Netflix has secured the rights to show live coverage of the 2027 and 2031 FIFA Women World Cup finals in the United States.
The deal, announced by football governing body FIFA on Friday, marks the first time Netflix has acquired live rights to a sports competition in full. It also includes Puerto Rico while it will cover all languages, with a dual telecast in English and Spanish.
As well as live coverage, Netflix will also produce a documentary series in the lead-up to both tournaments.
“As a marquee brand and Fifa’s new long-term partner, Netflix has shown a very strong level of commitment to growing women’s football,” Fifa president Gianni Infantino said.
“Besides broadcasting the tournaments themselves, Netflix will play a key role in terms of bringing the fascination of women’s football to a multi-million audience in the lead-up to both final tournaments, thereby enabling us to further increase their appeal.”
The deal is the latest in the streaming service’s embrace of sports, after more than 100 million people globally tuned in to watch the fight between retired great Mike Tyson and social media influencer-turned-boxer Jake Paul in November.
The 2027 Women’s World Cup is set to be played in Brazil between June 24 and July 25, the first time the tournament will be held in South America. The host of the 2031 edition has not been confirmed, although England, a joint bid involving the other British federations and the US have all been suggested as potential bidders.
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