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FIFA to Bundle U.S. English and Spanish World Cup Rights, Setting Up Billion‑Dollar Bidding War

FIFA plans to sell both language packages as one U.S. offer to push higher prices from streamers alongside legacy broadcasters.

Overview

  • FIFA has told potential buyers it is likely to sell English‑ and Spanish‑language U.S. rights for the 2030 and 2034 World Cups as a single combined package, a change designed to raise revenue.
  • Industry executives are budgeting roughly $1.5 billion to $2.0 billion per tournament for the combined U.S. rights while some reports say bids could start around $1 billion.
  • Netflix, Disney and YouTube have signaled interest in competing with Fox for the package and Amazon or Apple could also enter the contest.
  • Formal talks between FIFA and prospective U.S. media partners are expected within the next three months, according to multiple reports.
  • Record U.S. viewership for the 2026 tournament strengthens FIFA’s leverage but less favorable time zones for 2030 and 2034 could limit primetime audiences and may price NBCUniversal/Telemundo out of the race.