Entertainment

Netflix will stream the 2027 and 2031 FIFA Women’s World Cups


Netflix said on Friday it will stream the FIFA Women’s World Cup for the first time, as the company continues to expand its library of live sports content.

Netflix has exclusive US rights to broadcast the 2027 and 2031 tournaments in all languages. The company said it plans to do a dual broadcast in English and Spanish with studio shows and A-list talent. Netflix is ​​also planning to have documentaries featuring top players.

The 2027 Women’s World Cup will be held in Brazil from June 24 to July 25, with the participation of 32 teams in 12 cities. The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Bela Bajaria, chief content officer at Netflix, pointed to the growing global popularity of women’s football.

“Bringing this iconic tournament to Netflix is ​​not just about streaming the matches, it is about celebrating the female players, the culture and the passion that is driving the global rise of women’s sports,” Bajaria said in a statement.

She noted that the company’s success by broadcasting the recent live boxing match between Amanda Serrano and Katie Taylor “demonstrated the enormous appetite for women’s sports and live programming.”

The fight between Serrano and Taylor had an average of 74 million live viewers, and was described by Netflix as the most-watched professional women’s sporting event in U.S. history. The bout was part of a larger event that saw YouTube star-turned-professional boxer Jake Paul defeat former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson last month. This fight was attended by an average audience of 108 million live viewers.

Netflix began delving into live-action streaming last year with a comedy special featuring Chris Rock. Since then, it has hosted several live shows, including a hot dog eating contest, a Tom Brady roast comedy, the Screen Actors Guild Awards, and an exhibition tennis match. Next week, Netflix will stream two NFL Christmas Day games for the first time.

Live sports have become increasingly attractive to some streaming services because they attract large audiences and passionate fans. Organizers of live sports events have also shown interest in working with streamers to reach global audiences and younger viewers.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino described the Netflix deal as a “landmark moment for sports media rights”, adding that “Netflix will play a key role in terms of bringing the magic of women’s football to millions of viewers in the run-up to both final tournaments. Thus enabling us to increase their appeal.”

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