Mumbai: FIFA is going through a actuality test in India, with media rights for the 2026 and 2030 World Cups but to search out takers amid a broader correction within the sports activities broadcasting market.
The slowdown follows consolidation amongst broadcasters and chronic monetisation challenges, in line with individuals conscious of the matter.
FIFA launched the gross sales course of in July 2025 however has thus far didn’t safe a purchaser, even with the 2026 match set to start on June 11. The governing physique has lower its asking value from $100 million to $35 million, officers stated, requesting anonymity.
JioStar, the incumbent rights holder, is known to have valued the rights at round $25 million for the 2 editions. Its predecessor, Viacom18, paid $62 million (Rs 450 crore) in 2021 for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. The 2026 version will probably be co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and america.
Trade consultants attribute the correction to structural components. The merger of Star India and Viacom18 has diminished aggressive depth, leaving fewer severe bidders for premium sports activities rights. Sony Footage Networks India, which holds UEFA Champions League rights, can be taking a cautious method to sports activities acquisitions amid profitability pressures and a strategic shift in direction of leisure.
Different gamers, together with Dream Sports activities-owned FanCode and Warner Bros. Discovery-owned Eurosport, have restricted urge for food for high-value offers. This leaves world our bodies equivalent to FIFA largely reliant on JioStar, which dominates sports activities broadcasting by way of Star Sports activities and JioHotstar.FIFA can be understood to have approached Zee Leisure Enterprises, which is getting ready to launch sports activities channels and presently broadcasts the Worldwide League T20.
JioStar and FIFA declined to remark until press time.
