Streaming Giant Secures Exclusive Rights to FIFA Women’s World Cup
In a major coup for the streaming industry, Netflix has acquired the exclusive rights to broadcast the FIFA Women’s World Cup in the United States for 2027 and 2031. This move marks a significant expansion of the company’s sports portfolio, which has been growing rapidly in recent years.
A Growing Audience for Women’s Sports
The popularity of women’s sports has been on the rise, with the FIFA Women’s World Cup experiencing a significant surge in viewership in recent years. The 2019 tournament in France saw a massive increase in attendance and viewership, with the final match drawing more viewers in the U.S. than the men’s final in 2018. Although viewership dropped in 2023 after the U.S. team was eliminated, the sport remains one of the most popular globally.
Netflix’s Commitment to Women’s Sports
Netflix Chief Content Officer Bela Bajaria expressed the company’s excitement about bringing the iconic tournament to its platform. “We’re not just about streaming matches; we’re about celebrating the players, the culture, and the passion driving the global rise of women’s sports,” Bajaria said. Netflix plans to offer comprehensive coverage of the tournament, including commentary, entertainment, and original documentaries featuring top players and the growing fanbase.
A Global Reach
The 2027 tournament is set to take place in 12 cities across Brazil, while the host country for the 2031 tournament has yet to be announced. With 282.7 million global memberships, Netflix is well-positioned to bring the excitement of the Women’s World Cup to a massive audience worldwide.
Sports Media Rights on the Rise
The value of sports media rights has been skyrocketing in recent years, as live sports continue to draw massive audiences. Netflix has been aggressively pursuing growth in the sports category, streaming high-profile events like the Mike Tyson-Jake Paul fight, which drew a record-breaking 108 million viewers.
What’s Next for Netflix
On Christmas Day, Netflix will broadcast the NFL double-header featuring the Kansas City Chiefs vs. the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens vs. the Houston Texans. As the company continues to expand its sports offerings, fans can expect even more exciting events and exclusive content in the future.
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