With Reliance Talks Stalled, Zee Moves To Acquire FIFA World Cup Rights For India
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India-West News Desk
MUMBAI – Zee Entertainment has entered talks with FIFA to acquire television and streaming rights for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in India, the company said on May 26.
The discussions come weeks before the tournament begins on June 11 and amid stalled negotiations between FIFA and the Reliance-Disney joint venture over India broadcast rights, Reuters said.
According to Reuters, FIFA had initially sought $100 million for India rights covering the 2026 and 2030 World Cups before lowering its expectations to about $60 million. The Reliance-Disney venture, led by billionaire Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance, reportedly offered about $20 million.
Sony also held discussions regarding the India rights but did not submit a bid, Reuters reported.
Zee disclosed the talks during the launch of Unite8 Sports, its new portfolio of sports channels. The company did not share financial details related to the negotiations.
FIFA has finalized broadcast agreements in more than 180 territories worldwide, the organization said earlier.
India accounted for 2.9 percent of the global linear television audience for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
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