NBC is reportedly starting the process of inquiring about the FIFA World Cup 2030. According to a report by Sports Business Journal, the network is now exploring an English-language and Spanish-language package.
What We Know: Telemundo and NBCUniversal have reportedly already opened talks with FIFA about the rights to the 2030 World Cup in Spain, Portugal, and Morocco. Telemundo executive Joaquin Duro told SBJ said the plan could merge English and Spanish coverage under one roof. FOX Sports currently holds the English-language U.S. World Cup rights, and like Telemundo, is entering the final year of its deal.
What They Said: Telemundo’s EVP/Sports & Head of Streaming Joaquin Duro (via Sports Business Journal): “Definitely something that we are beyond exploring.”
What Remains Unclear: No timeline has emerged for finalizing any deal with FIFA and NBC/Telemundo. It’s also unclear whether FOX Sports intends to fight for renewal of its English-language rights.
What It Means: With FOX Sports seeing massive gains in audience this year with an expanded tournament, any network would look to capitalize on the event. However, the price of the media rights will be something any network has to reckon with. FOX Sports earned this year’s tournament as a discounted rate according to many experts. That fee will surely rise, especially with the amount of viewership that this year’s tournament has gained.
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John Mamola is Barrett Media’s sports editor and daily sports columnist. He brings over two decades of experience (Chicago, Tampa/St Petersburg) in the broadcast industry with expertise in brand management, sales, promotions, producing, imaging, hosting, talent coaching, talent development, web development, social media strategy and design, video production, creative writing, partnership building, communication/networking with a long track record of growth and success. He is a five-time recognized top 20 program director in a major market via Barrett Medi’s Top 20 series and has been honored internally multiple times as station/brand of the year (Tampa, FL) and employee of the month (Tampa, FL) by iHeartMedia. Connect with John by email at John@BarrettMedia.com.
