In this article, Netflix announced on Friday that it has acquired exclusive rights in the U.S. for the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2027 and 2031. This news comes shortly before Netflix’s first-ever streaming of National Football League Christmas Day games. By adding the Women’s World Cup to its lineup, Netflix is expanding its sports rights portfolio, reflecting the growing popularity of women’s sports.
Netflix’s Chief Content Officer, Bela Bajaria, expressed excitement about bringing the FIFA Women’s World Cup to the platform, highlighting the tournament’s global appeal and the passion it ignites among fans. The 2027 tournament is scheduled to be held in 12 cities across Brazil, while the host country for the 2031 event is yet to be revealed.
Netflix plans to provide comprehensive coverage of the Women’s World Cup, including commentary, studio shows, top-tier talent, and original documentaries focusing on key players and the sport’s increasing fan base. The Women’s World Cup has gained significant traction, with more U.S. viewers tuning in for the women’s final in 2019 than the men’s final in 2018.
The rise in viewership for women’s sports, such as the WNBA and the women’s national soccer team, reflects soccer’s enduring popularity on a global scale. With 282.7 million global memberships, Netflix aims to expand internationally, leveraging its ad-supported tier to attract more subscribers.
The value of sports media rights has surged as live sports draw massive audiences, prompting Netflix to venture further into the sports genre. Notably, Netflix streamed a highly-watched Mike Tyson-Jake Paul fight last month, which became the most-streamed sporting event ever with 108 million viewers. On Christmas Day, Netflix will broadcast an NFL double-header featuring the Kansas City Chiefs versus the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens versus the Houston Texans.
