Netflix said on Friday that it had acquired the exclusive rights to the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2027 and 2031 in the United States.
Days before Netflix streams its first-ever National Football League Christmas Day games, the news was made. The streaming behemoth’s decision to include the Women’s World Cup in its portfolio demonstrates its ongoing efforts to expand its collection of sports rights. Additionally, it coincides with the surge in popularity of women’s sports during the past 12 months.
According to a press release from Netflix Chief Content Officer Bela Bajaria, “I’ve witnessed the FIFA Women’s World Cup fandom grow tremendously from the electric atmosphere in France in 2019 and most recently, the incredible energy across Australia and New Zealand in 2023.” Bringing this legendary competition to Netflix is about more than just watching games; it’s about honoring the athletes, the culture, and the fervor that have propelled women’s sports to prominence throughout the world.
Twelve Brazilian cities are scheduled to host the 2027 event. The 2031 tournament’s host nation has not yet been revealed.
In the lead-up to the event, Netflix stated it will cover the Women’s World Cup with commentary and entertainment from studio shows and elite talent, as well as Netflix original documentaries about key players and the sport’s rapidly expanding fan base.
More Americans watched the women’s final in 2019 than the men’s in 2018, demonstrating the Women’s World Cup’s ongoing rise in popularity. However, once the two-time defending champions were eliminated in the Round of 16, U.S. viewership fell significantly in 2023.
Soccer continues to be one of the most popular sports in the world, as evidenced by the substantial growth in the U.S. audience for the WNBA and women’s national team.
With 282.7 million users worldwide, Netflix has been actively pursuing international expansion, partly by offering a more affordable, ad-supported tier.
As live sports attract the largest viewers, media firms’ valuations of sports media rights have likewise skyrocketed.
With 108 million viewers, the Mike Tyson-Jake Paul fight last month was the most-streamed sporting event ever, demonstrating Netflix’s continuous expansion into the sports market.
The streamer will cover the NFL doubleheader on Christmas Day, which pits the Baltimore Ravens against the Houston Texans and the Kansas City Chiefs against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
More from CNBC:
-
Investors are putting more into their 401(k)s here s the average savings rate
-
Retail stocks have a new headache for 2025. Finding winners that can buck the trend like
Walmart
-
Money editor and CFP: The top 4 tips I give my friends on how to avoid overspending
Note: Every piece of content is rigorously reviewed by our team of experienced writers and editors to ensure its accuracy. Our writers use credible sources and adhere to strict fact-checking protocols to verify all claims and data before publication. If an error is identified, we promptly correct it and strive for transparency in all updates, feel free to reach out to us via email. We appreciate your trust and support!