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Fox Sports and ESPN aim for future World Cup broadcast rights

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 17, 2026, 7:00 PM

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

Fox Sports and ESPN aim for future World Cup broadcast rights

Summary

Executives from Fox Sports and ESPN expressed interest in securing U.S. broadcast rights for FIFA's next two men's World Cups during a CNBC panel in New York City. ESPN chair Jimmy Pitaro acknowledged the significance of the World Cup, noting their intention to compete for the rights after having previously held them from 1994 to 2014. Fox Sports president Brad Zager confirmed their commitment to retaining the rights for the 2030 and 2034 tournaments. Reports indicate FIFA plans to package English and Spanish-language rights, with expectations for a bidding war that could see rights go for between $1.5 billion and $2 billion annually. Negotiations are anticipated to begin later this year.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Fox Sports and ESPN are both interested in future World Cup rights.
•Negotiations for U.S. broadcast rights are expected to begin later this year.
•FIFA may package English and Spanish rights together for future tournaments.
•Bidding could range from $1.5 billion to $2 billion annually.
•Previous rights holder ESPN aims to return after previously ceding them to Fox Sports.

Latest Updates

7:00 PMYahoo Sports — Top execs from Fox Sports, ESPN express strong interest in future World Cup rights

What they're saying

"
Following reports that FIFA is expected to begin talks on the U.S. broadcast rights for its next two men’s World Cups later this year, top executives at Fox Sports and ESPN expressed strong interest in those rights. In a panel discussion with CNBC this week in New York City, ESPN chair Jimmy Pitaro said “of…
— Yahoo Sports

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