Netflix has acquired exclusive broadcasting rights for the 2030 FIFA World Cup in Spain and Andorra, marking another major step in the streaming platform’s expansion into live sports.
The company disclosed the development in a blog post on Tuesday, announcing plans to broadcast all 104 matches of the tournament, which will be hosted by Spain, Morocco and Portugal.
As part of its coverage, Netflix said it would provide pre-match, half-time and post-match programmes tailored to Spanish audiences, alongside live broadcasts of the games.
The streaming service also plans to make one match available free of charge on each matchday in Spain. Matches involving the Spanish national team, as well as both semi-finals and the final, will be broadcast free-to-air.
Netflix’s chief content officer, Bela Bajaria, said the partnership with FIFA reflected the company’s commitment to connecting with audiences worldwide through major sporting events.
He said, “Few events unite people like the World Cup. I was in the stands this year as Spain lifted the trophy and witnessed the passion, the pride, the stories – they all become part of a nation’s culture and are remembered for generations.
“With Spain set to host in 2030, we’re thrilled to bring every match to fans across Spain and Andorra on Netflix. For Spanish football fans, welcoming the world as reigning champions on Netflix will make this a moment unlike any other.
“And our expanding partnership with FIFA, including the Women’s World Cup in 2027 and 2031 for the U.S. and Canada, reflects our continued commitment to bringing fans closer to the world’s biggest sports moments.”
FIFA Secretary General, Mattias Grafström, also welcomed the agreement, expressing optimism about the collaboration and its potential to expand access to the competition.
“We are pleased to build on our partnership with Netflix as we look ahead to the FIFA World Cup 2030. This will be a special edition of the tournament, and we look forward to working together to bring it to fans across Spain and Andorra. Our shared ambition is to bring fans closer to the game and enable as many people as possible to share in the excitement of the competition,” Grafström said.
The agreement adds to Netflix’s growing portfolio of live sports content. The company has previously secured the broadcasting rights for the 2027 and 2031 editions of the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Netflix has also expanded into boxing, recently securing exclusive global broadcasting rights for a scheduled December 11 bout between British heavyweight boxers Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury.
Source: punchng.com
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