FIFA targets $4 billion media rights auction for 2030/2034

FIFA is preparing to launch a massive auction for U.S. media rights to the 2030 and 2034 men's World Cup tournaments, with a reported target of up to $4 billion for the combined package. The forthcoming bidding process, expected to begin after the conclusion of the 2026 World Cup, is poised to become one of the largest sports media rights sales in history, drawing intense competition from traditional broadcasters and major streaming platforms.

The projected valuation represents a dramatic increase from the previous cycle. Fox Sports paid approximately $485 million for the English-language rights to the 2026 tournament, a deal secured without an open auction following scheduling disruptions caused by the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. For the 2030 and 2034 tournaments, FIFA is expected to bundle U.S. English and Spanish-language rights together, with industry reports suggesting the package could fetch between $1.5 billion and $2 billion per tournament cycle.

The lineup of expected bidders underscores a transformed media landscape. Traditional heavyweights like Disney's ESPN, Fox, and NBCUniversal's Telemundo are anticipated to face formidable competition from streaming giants including...