FIFA makes US history by launching the invitation to tender (ITT) for the media rights to the Women’s World Cup Brazil 2027 and the Women’s World Cup 2031.
Until now, FIFA has always sold media rights for the Women’s World Cups in a bundle with the men’s tournament. This invitation marks the first time it will be sold as a standalone offering.
As aforementioned, the tournaments being offered to broadcasters are the Women’s World Cup Brazil 2027 and the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2031. The global football governing body has emphasised that the 2027 edition is a priority, though it is open to offers for the 2031 tournament.
In 2023, Australia and New Zealand hosted the competition and recorded impressive US
television ratings, including the highest ever domestic viewership for a group stage match despite obvious challenges with time zone differences.
As Brazil will host in 2027, FIFA expects television ratings to significantly increase. This is attributed to more favourable time zones and the general interest in women’s football continuously growing around the world.
In the past, Fox and Telemundo have held the rights to both the men’s and the women’s World Cup in English and Spanish since the 2015 event in Canada. However, their existing rights deal expires after the upcoming 2026 men’s World Cup in the US, Canada and Mexico.
Regarding the 2015 World Cup, FIFA noted that the final was watched by 27 million people, which remains a record for a televised football match in the US.
For these upcoming competitions, FIFA will be looking to hit its broadcast rights target, something the governing body failed to do last year. FIFA targeted a $300m broadcast rights target for the Women’s World Cup but fell short by $100m.
With preexisting contracts expiring next year, there is potential for significantly enhanced offers.
