TMC
06-30-2026, 07:37 PM
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7404557/2026/06/29/world-cup-tv-rights-fox-netflix-amazon/
Fox’s stellar 2026 World Cup coverage could be its last (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ps0_m_WcRAg) because its current exclusive U.S. English-language rights contract expires at the end of the tournament (https://www.facebook.com/nytimes/posts/from-the-athletic-fc-this-2026-world-cup-is-the-final-one-that-fox-has-under-con/1415349383780854/). Industry experts suggest that the next bidding war will likely shatter records, with deep-pocketed streamers and traditional networks heavily vying for the rights. The 2026 tournament on home soil was secured by Fox in a no-bid settlement after FIFA controversially shifted the 2022 World Cup in Qatar to the winter, which disrupted Fox's fall sports schedule. Because Fox essentially received an extension for the 2026 edition, it paid a heavily discounted rate—estimated at roughly $485 million. Experts believe true market value could push well past $1 billion for future tournaments.
Fox’s stellar 2026 World Cup coverage could be its last (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ps0_m_WcRAg) because its current exclusive U.S. English-language rights contract expires at the end of the tournament (https://www.facebook.com/nytimes/posts/from-the-athletic-fc-this-2026-world-cup-is-the-final-one-that-fox-has-under-con/1415349383780854/). Industry experts suggest that the next bidding war will likely shatter records, with deep-pocketed streamers and traditional networks heavily vying for the rights. The 2026 tournament on home soil was secured by Fox in a no-bid settlement after FIFA controversially shifted the 2022 World Cup in Qatar to the winter, which disrupted Fox's fall sports schedule. Because Fox essentially received an extension for the 2026 edition, it paid a heavily discounted rate—estimated at roughly $485 million. Experts believe true market value could push well past $1 billion for future tournaments.