Netflix added to its sports portfolio on Tuesday by landing the rights to broadcast the 2030 World Cup to the viewing audience in Spain and Andorra.
Spain is one of three main co-hosts of the next edition of the FIFA World Cup, along with Portugal and Morocco. The first three games of the tournament will take place in South America.
While FIFA prefers a free over-the-air broadcast partner over a streaming service, the deal includes a plan to air one match per day on public television. All matches played by reigning champion Spain’s national team will also air for free as will the semifinals and final.
Netflix will air all 104 matches of the 2030 World Cup to the Spanish audience.
The cost of the successful bid was not reported. RTVE acquired the Spanish rights for this past summer’s World Cup for $61.6 million.
Netflix also holds the United States and Canadian rights to broadcast the next two Women’s World Cups in 2027 and 2031.
“For Spanish football fans, welcoming the world as reigning champions on Netflix will make this a moment unlike any other,” Netflix chief content officer Bela Bajaria said. “And, our expanding partnership with FIFA,
including the Women’s World Cup in 2027 and 2031 … reflects our continued commitment to bringing fans closer to the world’s biggest sports moments.“
Sports offerings on Netflix also include select NFL and MLB games, as well as WWE, boxing and mixed martial arts.