In India, a joint venture between Reliance and Disney reportedly offered $20 million for the broadcast rights, far below Fifa's initial $100 million ask for the 2026 and 2030 World Cups. According to two sources who spoke to Reuters, Fifa deemed the $20 million offer unacceptable. The joint venture's offer underscores the negotiating power the Indian group commands, especially after Reliance's standalone media arm secured the rights for about $60 million when the World Cup last aired in India in 2022. Fifa had significantly lowered its ask from $100 million earlier, but one source said it has not been keen on the $20 million figure. Negotiations have stalled.
Sony engaged in discussions but ultimately opted against making an offer for the Indian rights, according to a third source with direct knowledge. Sony declined to comment. Neither Fifa nor the Reliance-Disney joint venture responded to Reuters' requests for comment. In China, state broadcaster CCTV, which typically secured rights well in advance for previous tournaments, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
China and India were significant audiences for the 2022 World Cup. According to Fifa data, China accounted for 49.8 per cent of all digital and social platform viewing hours globally, and 17.7 per cent of global linear TV reach. India contributed 2.9 per cent of global linear TV reach, and the tournament attracted over 110 million digital viewers across Reliance's platforms. However, the 2026 World Cup will be hosted in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, meaning most matches will air past midnight in India. Sources said Reliance-Disney anticipates lower viewership as a result. Football is a niche sport in India compared to cricket, further complicating negotiations.
Barely five weeks remain for deals to be finalised, broadcast infrastructure to be established, and advertising inventory to be sold. It remains unclear whether a broadcast deal will be reached in India before the World Cup starts, or whether China's CCTV will secure rights at the last minute. The exact amount Fifa is now demanding from India has not been disclosed, and it is uncertain whether fans in India and China will be able to watch the World Cup legally if no deal is reached.