FIFA close to sealing $35 million India broadcast rights deal with Zee

FIFA is in the final stage of negotiations to secure a broadcast partner for the 2026 and 2030 men’s World Cups in India. The governing body has met with executives from JioHotstar and the Zee network, and Zee has emerged as the leading contender after Sony and FanCode withdrew.

The expected agreement is valued at around $35 million, a sharp reduction from FIFA’s initial $100 million ask, reflecting weak market interest and the challenge of airing most matches between midnight and 6 am Indian Standard Time. An official announcement is anticipated next week.

India is the last major market where FIFA has not yet secured rights, while a separate deal with China’s CCTV was signed earlier for the same tournaments.