Fans fear another Netflix 'disaster' as streaming giant wins right to Women's World Cups in 2027 and 2031
Netflix has secured the exclusive US broadcasting rights to the Women’s World Cup in 2027 and 2031 - leaving fans concerned following recent complaints about its faulty live coverage.
The streaming giant confirmed the news on Friday after fending off competition to land a deal for the next two editions of the women's soccer festival, which was previously aired on Fox in the States.
While the value is currently unclear, the deal is the most significant FIFA has signed with a streaming service for a major tournament, with World Cups typically broadcast on free-to-air public networks to reach the biggest audiences.
However, more of a worry for women's soccer fans is the quality of coverage that could be on offer when the world's top nations battle it out in 2027 and 2031.
Netflix's live coverage of the controversial fight between Mike Tyson and Jake Paul last month was marred by technical problems, with millions of fans complaining of a buffering stream, audio problems and more.
One subscriber in Florida is even taking legal action against Netflix over the constant glitching and buffering, accusing the company of 'breach of contract'.
Netflix has secured exclusive US broadcasting rights to the 2027 and 2031 Women’s World Cup
The streaming giant's Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson coverage was marred by technical problems
And after hearing that the next two Women's World Cups will also be broadcast on the platform, fans expressed their concerns on social media.
One user commented: 'Better tune in now to get ahead of all the inevitable buffering.'
Another fan quipped: 'Surprised the announcement isn’t still buffering…'
While one joked: 'O yes. Because their boxing match went so well...'
Netflix is dipping heavily into live sports, with the streaming service also set to broadcast two Christmas Day NFL fixtures next week.
Fixing its recent technical difficulties and providing a sufficient service for those games - which will see the Chiefs face the Steelers and the Ravens take on the Texans - would restore some confidence in light of the Women's World Cup announcement.
The 32-team, 64-game tournament in 2027 will be played in Brazil from June 24-July 25. The 2031 host has not been decided, though the U.S. is expected to bid.
Spain won the 2023 Women’s World Cup played in Australia and New Zealand, after the U.S. won the two previous titles.
'I’ve seen the fandom for the FIFA Women’s World Cup grow tremendously — from the electric atmosphere in France in 2019, and most recently, the incredible energy across Australia and New Zealand in 2023,' said Netflix Chief Content Officer Bela Bajaria.
'Bringing this iconic tournament to Netflix is not just about streaming matches — it’s about celebrating the players, the culture, and the passion driving the global rise of women’s sports.'
FIFA has since followed with its own announcement, describing the agreement as 'historic.'
'The historic 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,' read FIFA's statement.
'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.'
