- Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited has entered into a long-term partnership with FIFA to secure media rights for 39 global football events in India through 2034.
- The agreement grants Zee the rights to broadcast some of the world’s most prestigious football tournaments, including multiple FIFA World Cups and Women’s World Cups, significantly strengthening its presence in the sports broadcasting segment.
Major FIFA Events Covered Under the Agreement
The partnership includes broadcasting rights for several flagship FIFA tournaments, such as:
- FIFA World Cup 2026
- FIFA World Cup 2030
- FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027
- Various FIFA youth, club, and international football competitions up to 2034
The financial details of the agreement have not been disclosed.
Dedicated Sports Channels Launched
To support its growing sports portfolio, Zee announced the launch of four dedicated sports channels:
- Unite8 Sports 1
- Unite8 Sports 1 HD
- Unite8 Sports 2
- Unite8 Sports 2 HD
These channels will serve as dedicated platforms for live sports coverage and football-related content.
Live Streaming on Z5 Platform
Apart from television broadcasting, FIFA tournaments will also be streamed live on Zee’s OTT platform, Z5.
Key features include:
- Live streaming of matches
- Multiple language options
- Digital-first football content
- Documentary series and special features related to FIFA tournaments
Documentary Series and Exclusive Content
As part of the agreement, Zee has also secured rights to documentary series connected with FIFA tournaments.
These programmes will explore:
- Grassroots football communities
- Cultural backgrounds of participating nations
- Stories behind players and teams
- The competitive spirit of international football
The initiative aims to deepen fan engagement beyond live match broadcasts.
Why This Deal Matters
The agreement marks one of the largest sports media rights acquisitions in India’s football broadcasting history.
The partnership is expected to:
- Increase football viewership in India.
- Enhance FIFA’s presence in one of the world’s largest consumer markets.
- Strengthen Zee’s position in sports media.
- Expand access to global football tournaments through television and digital platforms.
Key Highlights
- Zee Entertainment secured FIFA media rights for India until 2034.
- Rights cover 39 FIFA global football events.
- Includes FIFA World Cup 2026, FIFA World Cup 2030, and FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027.
- Four new sports channels launched under the Unite8 Sports brand.
- Matches will be broadcast on TV and streamed on Z5.
- FIFA views India as a strategic growth market for football.
- The deal is expected to strengthen Zee’s sports business and advertising revenues.
About FIFA
- FIFA Headquarters: FIFA, Zurich, Switzerland
- Founded: 1904
- President: Gianni Infantino
- FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 Host: Brazil
- FIFA World Cup 2026 Hosts: United States, Canada and Mexico.