Key Takeaways:
- Zee is negotiating with FIFA to secure India’s broadcast rights for the 2026 World Cup.
- The surprise bid bypasses the stalled $20 million offer from Jiostar.
- Zee announced its new “Unite8 Sports” network to host the 48-team, 104-match tournament.
Zee Entertainment Enterprises said Tuesday it is in talks with FIFA to secure broadcasting and streaming rights in India for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as negotiations between FIFA and Jiostar remain stalled days before the tournament begins on June 11.
Zee Expands Sports Push With New Channels
Zee confirmed the discussions in a company statement issued during the launch of its new sports network, Unite8 Sports. The company said the move is part of its strategy to strengthen its sports content portfolio and expand its reach among Indian audiences.
“With an aim to build a competitive sports content offering, the Company is also in talks with Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) to broadcast and stream the FIFA World Cup 2026 matches in India,” the company said.
The broadcaster announced four new channels under the Unite8 Sports brand: Unite8 Sports 1, Unite8 Sports 1 HD in Hindi, and Unite8 Sports 2 and Unite8 Sports 2 HD in English.
The announcement comes at a critical time for football fans in India, where uncertainty over the tournament’s television and digital coverage continues less than two weeks before kickoff.
FIFA Lowers Rights Expectations Amid Bid Delays
FIFA initially sought about $100 million for the India media rights package covering both the 2026 and 2030 World Cups. The governing body later reduced its expectations to around $60 million after negotiations slowed.
Reports suggest that Zee’s offer exceeds the reported $20 million bid submitted by Jiostar, the Reliance-Disney joint venture led by Mukesh Ambani and Reliance Industries.
Sony Group Corporation had also explored the possibility of bidding for the Indian rights but ultimately chose not to submit an offer, according to the report.
Neither FIFA nor the Reliance-Disney venture publicly commented Tuesday on the status of negotiations.
India Remains Key Market for FIFA Broadcast Reach
FIFA previously said the 2026 World Cup had already secured distribution agreements across 180 countries. India represented 2.9% of the global television audience for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, highlighting the market’s growing importance for soccer broadcasters.
The 2026 tournament will be the first FIFA World Cup featuring 48 teams and 104 matches. The 2022 edition in Qatar, won by the Argentina national football team, was streamed in India on JioCinema and televised on Sports18.
If Zee secures the rights, it would end uncertainty around the tournament’s availability in India and mark a major expansion of the company’s sports broadcasting business.
Industry analysts said acquiring the rights could also help Zee compete more aggressively in India’s crowded sports media market, where cricket has traditionally dominated viewership and advertising revenue.
The 2026 FIFA Soccer World Cup will be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico beginning June 11.
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