David Bridges
Netflix Secures Exclusive U.S. Broadcasting Rights for FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 and 2031
Netflix has officially acquired the U.S. broadcasting rights to one of the most prestigious events in women’s sports: the FIFA Women’s World Cup. This announcement, confirmed by the sports federation on December 20, marks a significant milestone as Netflix prepares to stream both the 2027 and 2031 tournaments. This deal represents Netflix’s first complete ownership of broadcasting rights for this esteemed competition, indicating a shift towards more streaming content for major sporting events. This historic move also highlights the growing trend of sports consumption shifting from traditional television to streaming platforms, reflecting the evolving preferences of sports fans.
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In addition to offering dual English and Spanish telecasts, Netflix plans to roll out exclusive documentary programming that will spotlight the teams and players leading up to the tournament. “Our record-breaking success with Amanda Serrano vs. Katie Taylor demonstrated the massive appetite for women’s sports and live programming,” stated Netflix’s Chief Content Officer, Bela Bajaria. This strategic move not only aims to enhance viewer engagement but also reflects the platform’s commitment to promoting women’s sports and providing fans with in-depth insights and narratives surrounding the tournament.
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“I’ve witnessed the incredible growth of fandom for the FIFA Women’s World Cup — from the electrifying atmosphere in France in 2019 to the vibrant energy experienced across Australia and New Zealand in 2023. Bringing this iconic tournament to Netflix goes beyond merely streaming matches; it’s about honoring the players, the culture, and the passion that fuels the global rise of women’s sports,” expressed Bajaria. This perspective reinforces Netflix’s intent to not only entertain but also educate and inspire audiences through compelling storytelling around women’s athletics.
This groundbreaking agreement represents a notable deviation from FIFA’s traditional approach of live-to-air broadcasting for global sporting events, and it signals a bold new strategy for reaching audiences. According to FIFA, the partnership with Netflix comes as a response to declining bids from conventional broadcasters in anticipation of the 2023 tournament. With over a billion viewers tuning in to the matches in 2019, this collaboration has the potential to significantly boost viewership and engagement for the Women’s World Cup, making it a promising venture for both FIFA and Netflix.
FIFA has faced persistent scrutiny regarding the ongoing gender inequities within the world of sports. In a progressive move, FIFA announced in 2023 that it would triple the prize money for the Women’s World Cup to $150 million, as part of a comprehensive three-year gender equity strategy. This plan includes commitments to increase the representation of women in coaching and administrative positions within FIFA, alongside a partnership with UN Women. Such initiatives are crucial for promoting equality and recognition of women’s sports on a global scale.
“This agreement is a powerful statement about the true value of the FIFA Women’s World Cup and the global women’s game,” declared FIFA President Gianni Infantino. “The collaboration between FIFA and Netflix marks a historic day for broadcasting and women’s football.” This partnership not only emphasizes the growing recognition of women’s sports but also highlights the critical role that media plays in shaping the narrative and visibility of female athletes.
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Daniel Mercer
Brandon Fletcher
