World Cup broadcast hopes boosted in India as Zee Entertainment in talks
Broadcasting rights for FIFA World Cup 2026 in India have been at a deadlock only weeks ahead of June 11 kickoff.
AI Summary
Zee Entertainment is in talks with FIFA to broadcast the 2026 World Cup in India, offering potential relief from a stalled negotiation with Reliance-Disney that has left broadcasting rights unresolved weeks before the tournament's June 11 start date. FIFA had initially sought $100 million for the 2026 and 2030 World Cup rights in India but reduced its asking price to approximately $60 million, far exceeding the $20 million offered by Reliance-Disney. India's significant viewership of the 2022 Qatar World Cup—ranking second globally with over 745 million fans—demonstrates the market's value for broadcasting the tournament.