Earlier, the company had revealed it obtained the rights to air games across the United States and Canada for the 2027 and 2031 editions. However, the specific financial terms were not previously disclosed.
This deal marks Netflix's first major live-sports broadcasting agreement, representing a strategic shift for a company traditionally focused on scripted series, films, and documentaries. By entering the live sports arena, Netflix aims to attract new subscribers and compete more aggressively with traditional networks and other digital platforms. The move also reflects the growing value of women's sports rights: the WNBA's 11-year, $3.1 billion contract averages roughly $280 million per year, while Fox paid approximately $485 million for the U.S. rights to the 2026 Men's World Cup. Netflix's $200 million commitment for a single tournament is among the largest annual media transactions in women's sports.
Netflix declined to provide a comment, and FIFA did not reply to an inquiry about the deal.
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FIFA has been working to increase revenue from its events. A current initiative involves moving its commercial holdings into a separate entity and then selling shares to outside investors. This proposal has drawn criticism from a range of groups, including politicians and UEFA, the European football governing body.
In 2023, FIFA sold the Women's World Cup broadcast rights as a separate package for the first time, capitalizing on surging interest in women's athletics. According to FIFA's financial report for that fiscal year, broadcast rights income was approximately $270 million, encompassing media agreements for the Women's World Cup across all territories.
Back in 2023, FIFA President Gianni Infantino urged broadcasters to offer equitable pricing for Women's World Cup media rights and denounced offers as insufficient. He warned of potential television blackouts across Europe after broadcasters declined to increase their bids. The European Broadcasting Union concluded a deal with FIFA only a few weeks prior to the start of the event.
In 2027, an agreement between the European Broadcasting Union and FIFA involves 19 public-service broadcasters airing the matches. The financial terms of that arrangement have not been made public.
FIFA's restructuring of its commercial operations, including the controversial plan to sell shares in a new entity, underscores the organization's drive to maximize revenue from its flagship women's tournament. The $200 million Netflix deal, paired with the EBU's 19-broadcaster agreement for 2027, reveals a diversifying media landscape where streaming platforms are increasingly competing with traditional networks. This partnership not only guarantees FIFA a substantial income stream but also gives the Women's World Cup a global digital reach that could attract new audiences and future sponsors.
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