Media Giants Prepare Bids For 2030 World Cup Rights At $2 Billion

Netflix, Disney and YouTube are among several media companies interested in challenging Fox for U.S. broadcast rights to the 2030 and 2034 World Cup, according to sources familiar with the matter. Amazon and Apple could also enter the bidding, potentially sparking a major competition for rights to the tournaments, sources told CNBC. Discussions between FIFA and prospective media partners are expected to begin within the next three months. FIFA has signaled that English- and Spanish-language U.S. rights will likely be bundled together for the upcoming tournaments, a departure from how rights were sold for the 2026 World Cup, according to sources. Fox paid $485 million for English-language rights to this year's tournament, according to The Athletic, while NBCUniversal's Telemundo paid $600 million for Spanish-language rights. Media executives are reportedly budgeting between $1.5 billion and $2 billion for combined U.S. rights to each future tournament. FIFA last negotiated these rights in 2011, later extending that agreement through 2026. Netflix, Disney and YouTube each view the World Cup as a significant opportunity to boost their streaming platforms, sources said. FIFA has already partnered with Netflix for Women's World Cup rights in 2027 and 2031. Bundling the language rights together could drive up bidding while reducing overlap between competing broadcasters. Telemundo has attracted some English-speaking viewers through its Peacock streaming service, which costs less than Fox's streaming option. If FIFA combines the language packages, NBCUniversal is unlikely to bid near the $2 billion threshold, according to sources, potentially ending Telemundo's involvement in future tournaments. Viewership for this year's World Cup has been substantial. The United States' win over Bosnia and Herzegovina drew more than 26 million viewers on Fox, becoming the most-watched soccer broadcast in English-language television history. The 2030 tournament will be hosted by Morocco, Portugal and Spain, while Saudi Arabia will host in 2034, both presenting more challenging time zones for U.S. audiences compared to this year's North American event.