In a landmark deal, Netflix has secured the exclusive U.S. broadcasting rights for the FIFA Women's World Cup in 2027 and 2031. This agreement marks the first time the prestigious tournament will be broadcast on a streaming service, highlighting Netflix's growing commitment to live sports. The 2027 tournament will be hosted in Brazil, featuring 32 teams competing across 12 cities from June 24 to July 25. The host for the 2031 edition has yet to be announced, with the United States expected to bid.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino hailed the agreement as a "landmark moment for sports media rights," emphasizing Netflix's commitment to growing women's football. The deal is seen as a significant step in promoting the global women's game, with Netflix planning to produce exclusive documentaries and studio shows to enhance coverage.

Netflix's foray into live sports began with events like the Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul boxing match, which attracted over 60 million viewers, despite some technical issues. The streaming service is also set to broadcast NFL games on Christmas Day, further expanding its sports portfolio.

The deal with FIFA is expected to drive negotiations with European broadcasters, as FIFA aims to increase the value of broadcast rights to support prize money and close the gender pay gap in football. The 2023 Women's World Cup, held in Australia and New Zealand, was broadcast by Fox in the U.S., drawing significant viewership.

Netflix's acquisition of the Women's World Cup rights is part of a broader strategy to boost its ad-supported service, which is the fastest-growing segment of its business. The company plans to spend $17 billion on programming this year, with a significant portion allocated to sports and live events.

This historic agreement not only underscores Netflix's commitment to live sports but also highlights the growing popularity and commercial potential of women's soccer on a global scale.