In this article, Netflix announced on Friday that it has obtained 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 offerings, 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 significance in celebrating players, culture, and the global rise of women’s sports. 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, entertainment from studio shows, top-tier talent, and original documentaries focusing on key players and the sport’s expanding fan base leading up to the tournament. The Women’s World Cup has gained popularity, with more U.S. viewers tuning in for the women’s final in 2019 than the men’s final in 2018, although viewership declined in 2023 after the U.S. team was eliminated in the Round of 16.
The growing audience for the WNBA and the women’s national soccer team in the U.S. underscores soccer’s status as one of the most popular sports worldwide. With 282.7 million global memberships, Netflix aims to boost international growth, including through its more affordable, ad-supported tier. The value of sports media rights has surged for media companies due to the large audiences attracted by live sports.
Netflix has been expanding its sports content, such as streaming the Mike Tyson-Jake Paul fight, which set a record as the most-streamed sporting event ever with 108 million viewers. On Christmas Day, Netflix will cover the NFL double-header featuring the Kansas City Chiefs versus the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens versus the Houston Texans.
