• Loading stock data...
Thursday, September 4, 2025
Fox Analyst and Media Entrepreneur Greg Olsen to Speak at Tuned In Get your ticket now!

FIFA Threatens Women’s World Cup Blackout in Europe’s ‘Big 5’

  • FIFA demanded that European broadcasters offer more for Women’s World Cup games.
  • The tournament begins in July.
Apr 8, 2023; Austin, Texas, USA; U.S. Women's National Team midfielder Julie Ertz (8) moves the ball against Republic of Ireland Women's National Team midfielder Denise O'Sullivan (10) during the second half at Q2 Stadium.
Dustin Safranek-USA TODAY Sports

FIFA is prepared to kick broadcasts of the Women’s World Cup out of Europe if it doesn’t get its price.

“It is our moral and legal obligation not to undersell the FIFA Women’s World Cup,” FIFA president Gianni Infantino said in an Instagram post on Monday, echoing statements he made at the World Trade Organization in Geneva. 

Infantino described offers from Europe’s “Big 5” countries — England, Germany, France, Spain, and Italy — as “very disappointing,” noting that while the women’s tournament draws “50-60%” of the viewership garnered by the men’s edition, broadcasters “offer only $1 million to $10 million” for the women’s competition, as opposed to “$100-200 million for the men’s.”

Infantino said that all rights fees would go toward prize money and promoting women’s soccer. 

Women's World Cup.

U.S., Mexico Launch Joint Bid For 2027 Women’s World Cup

U.S. Soccer announced a bid to host the 2027 Women’s World Cup.
April 20, 2023

FIFA has signed 156 broadcast deals connected to the tournament, including ones in other European countries such as Hungary, Sweden, and Belgium, according to Bloomberg.

A recent friendly match between the French and Canadian women’s teams drew a record 1.4 million viewers. The NWSL saw a record average viewership of 915,000 for its championship game last year.

The prize money for this year’s Women’s World Cup will be $152 million — triple what it was in 2019 and more than 10 times greater than the purse in 2015 — but still a far cry from the $440 million doled out at the men’s tournament last year.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Barcelona, AC Milan Abroad? Fan Groups Reject Travel Plans

Supporter groups warn of a “Pandora’s box” if overseas games happen.

As NFL Eyes Overseas Growth, UK Ambassador Pushes for Super Bowl

Britain’s ambassador to the U.S. is the latest to pursue the game.
Sofi Stadium

Los Angeles Olympics Will be First to Sell Venue Naming Rights

The decision breaks with a longstanding Olympic policy.

More Dildo Throwing During WNBA Games Leads to Second Arrest

The 18-year-old threw a dildo that hit another fan and his young niece.

Featured Today

Oct 13, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) and wide receiver A.J. Brown (11) celebrate their touchdown pass during the second quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Lincoln Financial Field.

TV Ratings Just Changed Again. The NFL Will Be the Big Winner

Nielsen’s new viewership system will have a big impact on sports.
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) celebrates with offensive lineman Donovan Jackson (74) after a touchdown catch against Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the first quarter during the College Football Playoff National Championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on January 20, 2025.
August 30, 2025

The Most Expensive Roster Year in College Football History

The House settlement created revenue-sharing—and a big NIL loophole.
August 26, 2025

‘You’re Going to Get Beat Up’: The Liberty’s All-Male Practice Squad

A select group suits up weekly to take on the defending champs.
August 24, 2025

The Honey Deuce Effect: How Tennis Perfected the Signature Cocktail

Sold every 1.5 seconds, they total more than $12 million in sales.

TNT Sports to Try Its Own Streaming App After WBD Split

TNT Sports will have its own app as a corporate split approaches.
September 4, 2025

3 ABC Games Top 10M Viewers Each in ESPN’s Record CFB Weekend

Miami–Notre Dame led the way with 10.8 million viewers.
Eagles
September 4, 2025

The Death of Streameast Has Been Greatly Exaggerated

Mirror sites began popping up Thursday, the day the NFL season begins.
Sponsored

Trailblazer Cal Calamia Is Racing for ‘Advocacy, Storytelling, and Performance’

The marathoner wants excellence—not just inclusion—to be the goal for non-binary athletes.
September 4, 2025

Bill Belichick’s UNC Debut Draws More Than 6M Viewers on ESPN

TCU-UNC was the fifth-most-watched college football game of Week 1.
September 3, 2025

Ohio State–Texas Showdown Was Most-Watched Week 1 CFB Game Ever

Fox drew 16.62 million viewers on Saturday afternoon.
September 2, 2025

NFL on Nielsen’s Latest Measurement Upgrade: ‘More Work to Be Done’

The league calls its relationship with the agency a “protracted journey.”
September 1, 2025

Lee Corso’s Farewell Delivers Record ‘College GameDay’ Viewership

ESPN averaged 3.5 million viewers, per preliminary figures.