CORPORATE
Zee scores a big goal with FIFA World Cup broadcast rights for India in the bag
- IBJ Bureau
- Jun 02, 2026
FIFA has struck a deal with Zee Entertainment to broadcast the 2026 World Cup football in the country. Financial terms of the deal have not been disclosed.
The transaction ends a months-long standoff over the tournament’s availability in one of the last major markets where the telecast rights had remained unsold.
FIFA had initially sought about $100 million for the India package covering the 2026 and 2030 World Cups before slashing its asking price to $60 million, the Reuters had previously reported.
The deal gives Zee a toehold in India’s sports broadcast market, where Reliance-Disney joint venture JioStar holds rights ranging from the Indian Premier League (IPL) cricket tournament to the English Premier League.
The agreement comes just 10 days before the tournament kicks off on June 11 across the US, Canada and Mexico.
Shares of Zee were around 7 per cent higher on Monday after the announcement.
Most of this year’s matches will be screened late at night in India due to the time difference, something that has dampened broadcasters’ appetite and complicated FIFA’s sales efforts.
Monday’s deal covers 39 FIFA events over eight years through 2034, also including the Women’s World Cup in 2027, according to a joint statement from FIFA and Zee.
Billionaire Mukesh Ambani’s JioStar, which had aired the 2022 World Cup through its predecessor Viacom18, had offered about $20 million for the rights but was rejected by FIFA, the Reuters had previously reported.
Sony, which had held the rights for the 2014 and 2018 tournaments, held discussions but did not bid.
Viacom18 had paid about $60 million for the rights to the 2022 World Cup, which was hosted in Qatar in time zones far more favourable for Indian audiences.
eMAGAZINE More
FOLLOW US
Latest Tweets
IBJ CHATBOX More
AT THE HELM - Vinay M Tonse, MD & CEO, Yes Bank
- Jun 01, 2026
Report By
View Reporter News