May 26 (Reuters) – India’s Zee Entertainment is in talks with FIFA to stream and broadcast the 2026 World Cup in the country, the company said in a statement on Tuesday.
• The announcement, which provided no financial details, comes as talks between a Reliance-Disney joint venture and the football body are at a deadlock, just weeks before the tournament kicks off on June 11.
• FIFA, which had initially sought $100 million for broadcast rights for the 2026 and 2030 World Cups in India, was last looking for no less than about $60 million, Reuters had reported.
• The expected amount still far exceeds the $20 million offered by Reliance-Disney, led by billionaire Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance.
• Sony also held talks but decided not to make an offer for FIFA rights for India.
• FIFA has concluded agreements with broadcasters in more than 180 territories globally, it said previously.
• Zee Entertainment disclosed its talks with FIFA as part of its launch of Unite8 Sports, a dedicated portfolio of sports channels to strengthen its sports offerings to consumers.
• India accounted for 2.9% of the global linear TV reach of the World Cup in 2022.
(Reporting by Abhirami G in BengaluruEditing by David Goodman and Tomasz Janowski)
