Netflix announced on Friday that it has secured exclusive U.S. streaming rights for the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2027 and 2031. This marks a significant step for the streaming platform as it continues to expand its live sports offerings and tap into the growing popularity of women’s sports.
Bela Bajaria, Netflix’s Chief Content Officer, emphasized the cultural importance of the partnership: “The fandom for the FIFA Women’s World Cup has grown tremendously, from the electric atmosphere in France in 2019 to the incredible energy across Australia and New Zealand in 2023. Streaming this iconic tournament on Netflix is about more than matches — it’s about celebrating the players, their culture, and the passion driving women’s sports globally.”
The 2027 Women’s World Cup is set to take place across 12 cities in Brazil, while the host nation for the 2031 tournament has yet to be revealed. Netflix’s coverage will go beyond live matches, incorporating commentary, studio shows with expert talent, and original documentaries focusing on major players and the sport’s growing global fan base.
The FIFA Women’s World Cup has experienced a surge in popularity. In the U.S., the 2019 Women’s World Cup final drew more viewers than the 2018 men’s final. Although viewership dipped in 2023 after the U.S. team’s early exit in the Round of 16, the event continues to draw substantial global attention.
This announcement comes as Netflix gears up to stream its first NFL Christmas Day double-header featuring the Kansas City Chiefs, Pittsburgh Steelers, Baltimore Ravens, and Houston Texans. The move into live sports aligns with Netflix’s strategy to attract larger audiences, particularly through its lower-cost, ad-supported membership tier.
With 282.7 million global subscribers, Netflix has been steadily increasing its sports presence. The platform recently streamed a high-profile boxing match featuring Mike Tyson and Jake Paul, which garnered 108 million views and became the most-streamed sporting event in the platform’s history.
By adding the FIFA Women’s World Cup to its lineup, Netflix aims to further solidify its position as a major player in the sports streaming market, celebrating the evolution of women’s sports and engaging fans worldwide.
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