iWorld
Netflix lands Fifa Women’s World Cup 2027 & 2031 exclusive rights for the US
MUMBAI: It was an unexpected move and it’s definitely resulted in a goal – an outright goal, leaving all other competitors wondering what its next play will be. Streaming giant Netflix has signed an agreement with the world’s football federation Fifa to exclusively stream the 2027 and 2031 instalments of the Fifa Women’s World Cup in the US.
The Fifa Women’s World Cup will be the first competition to be acquired in full by Netflix, which further reinforces the tournament’s status as the single biggest women’s sporting event on the planet and provides an outstanding platform to further promote the game.
The deal will provide US-based fans with unparalleled access to every match live and to immersive coverage, including star-studded studio shows in what is set to be an unprecedented celebration of the women’s game. The agreement includes Puerto Rico and covers all languages, with top-tier talent poised to feature in a dual telecast for both English- and Spanish-language broadcasts in the US.
“This is a landmark moment for sports media rights,” said Fifa president Gianni Infantino. “As a marquee brand and Fifa’s new long-term partner, Netflix has shown a very strong level of commitment to growing women’s football. This agreement sends a strong message about the real value of the Fifa Women’s World Cup and the global women’s game. Fifa and Netflix partnering together makes this a truly historic day for broadcasting and for women’s football.
“Besides broadcasting the tournaments themselves, Netflix will play a key role in terms of bringing the fascination of women’s football to a multimillion audience in the lead-up to both final tournaments, thereby enabling us to further increase their appeal.”
“I’ve seen the fandom for the Fifa Women’s World Cup grow tremendously – from the electric atmosphere in France in 2019 to, most recently, the incredible energy we saw across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand last year,” said Netflix chief content officer Bela Bajaria. “Bringing this iconic tournament to Netflix isn’t just about streaming matches, it’s also about celebrating the players, the culture and the passion driving the global rise of women’s sport.”
Following Fifa’s decision to partner exclusively with Netflix, the 2027 and 2031 editions of the Fifa Women’s World Cup are poised to reach even greater audiences and to set new benchmarks in terms of US engagement. The Fifa Women’s World Cup 2027 which will take place in Brazil from 24 June to 25 July 2027, will see the 32 best national teams from around the globe compete for glory. The host nation(s) of the 2031 edition of the Fifa Women’s World Cup will be decided by the Fifa Congress in due course.
In addition to offering live coverage, Netflix will produce exclusive documentary series in the lead-up to both tournaments, spotlighting the world’s top players, their journeys and the global growth of women’s football.
Netflix has proved its ability to tell compelling stories from the world of football through programming such as Under Pressure: The U.S. Women’s World Cup Team, Captains of the World (in partnership with FIFA), Neymar: The Perfect Chaos, Beckham, Sunderland ’Til I Die and Boca Juniors Confidential, with upcoming documentaries set to be released on Vinícius Júnior and José Mourinho
With Netflix landing football in its programming, one will have to wait and watch whether it will do the same in India – by outbidding one and all for the rights to some premier cricket. Sony Sports, Sports18, Star Sports, JioStar, Zee TV – watch out – in Netflix you have got a competitor who will keep you guessing its next move and it has an open cheque book to outbid you if it can.
iWorld
Bill Ackman’s Pershing Square makes $64 billion bid to acquire Universal Music Group
Ackman pitches NYSE relisting plan as UMG board weighs unsolicited offer
The hedge fund has proposed a business combination that values UMG at €30.40 per share, representing a hefty 78 per cent premium to its current trading price. The offer includes €9.4 billion in cash alongside stock in a newly formed entity, with shareholders set to receive €5.05 per share in cash and 0.77 shares in the new company for each UMG share they hold.
Under the proposal, UMG would merge with Pershing Square SPARC Holdings Ltd and re-emerge as a Nevada-based entity listed on the New York Stock Exchange. The move is designed to boost investor visibility and potentially secure inclusion in major indices such as the S&P 500.
Pershing Square Capital Management ceo Bill Ackman argued that while UMG’s operational performance remains strong, its market valuation has lagged due to external factors. “UMG’s stock price has languished due to a combination of issues that are unrelated to the performance of its music business,” Ackman said, pointing to concerns ranging from shareholder overhang to delayed US listing plans.
Ackman also flagged what he sees as untapped potential in UMG’s balance sheet and a lack of clear capital allocation strategy. He added that the market has not fully recognised the value of UMG’s €2.7 billion stake in Spotify, alongside gaps in investor communication.
The proposed transaction would also result in the cancellation of around 17 per cent of UMG’s outstanding shares, while maintaining its investment-grade balance sheet. Pershing Square has said it will fully backstop the equity financing, with debt commitments secured at signing. The deal is targeted for completion by the end of the year.
UMG, however, has struck a measured tone. The company confirmed that its board has received the non-binding proposal and will review it with advisers. It reiterated confidence in its current strategy and leadership under Lucian Grainge, signalling no immediate shift in stance.
The proposal comes at a time when global music companies are navigating evolving investor expectations, streaming economics and capital allocation pressures. For Pershing Square, the bet is clear: sharpen the financial story, relist in the US, and let the music play louder in the markets.
Whether UMG’s board is ready to change the tune remains to be seen, but the spotlight on its valuation just got a lot brighter.
