In a blockbuster move that expands Netflix’s sports presence, the streaming giant has picked up exclusive US streaming rights to the 2027 and 2031 editions of the FIFA Women’s World Cup.

It will be the first time the tournament will be broadcast on a streaming service, with Netflix securing all-language rights for the US, including Puerto Rico. The company says it plans to broadcast in English and Spanish. Ancillary programs and studio shows are also being developed to complement the live games.

“I’ve seen the fan base for the FIFA Women’s World Cup grow tremendously – from the electric atmosphere in France in 2019 to the incredible energy we saw in Australia and Aotearoa, New Zealand last year,” said Bela, Chief Content Officer of Netflix Bajaria. “Bringing this iconic tournament to Netflix is ​​not just about streaming games, but also about celebrating the players, culture and passion that are driving the rise of women’s sports around the world.”

The streaming giant will also produce documentaries surrounding the tournaments. Brazil will host the event in 2027 and the host for 2031 has yet to be determined.

“This is a milestone for sports media rights,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino. “As a top brand and new long-term partner of FIFA, Netflix has demonstrated a very strong commitment to the growth of women’s football. This agreement sends a strong message about the true value of the FIFA Women’s World Cup and global women’s football. The collaboration between FIFA and Netflix makes this a truly historic day for broadcasting and women’s football.”

The deal is very important for Netflix, FIFA and the entire sports world.

After the deal with the NFL for Christmas Day games and individual events such as the fight between Jake Paul and Mike Tyson, this gives Netflix another major sporting event property. It also gives the company an entry into the burgeoning women’s sports sector, which is growing exponentially, particularly through basketball and football.

The unprecedented access will also allow Netflix to leverage its sports documentary expertise during the events.

FIFA, meanwhile, is adding another rights partner… one with global reach and appeal. In the US, the rights were split between Fox Sports and Telemundo, with Fox holding the English rights and Telemundo holding the Spanish rights. But Fox doesn’t stream its games, limiting their accessibility in some cases.

And for the larger sports world, the deal underscores how serious Netflix is ​​about sports, even if the company is still limiting its bets to “events” it can build on, rather than more traditional seasonal rights deals.