Key facts
- Asian broadcasters are pushing back against rising FIFA World Cup broadcast rights fees.
- The upcoming World Cup's North American time zones mean games will air overnight across much of Asia.
- Bangladesh's government stepped in to secure broadcast rights for Tk 72.7 crore (approx. ₹56 crore) after a private deal collapsed.
- This government intervention ensures the tournament will be available on free-to-air television in Bangladesh.
- The rights fee paid by Bangladesh was lower than for the 2022 World Cup, reflecting FIFA's challenges in monetizing the event in the region.
Broadcasters across Asia are reportedly resisting increased broadcast rights fees for the upcoming FIFA World Cup, citing challenges posed by the tournament's North American time zones, which will result in games airing overnight across much of the region. This, coupled with evolving viewing habits and the rise of streaming, complicates FIFA's revenue strategy.
In Bangladesh, the government intervened to secure domestic broadcasting rights for Tk 72.7 crore (approximately ₹56 crore) after a private media deal with Singapore-based Springbok Pte Ltd collapsed due to missed payment deadlines. This intervention ensures that millions of football fans in the country will be able to watch the 48-team competition on free-to-air television via state-owned Bangladesh Television (BTV).
The price paid by the Bangladesh government was reportedly lower than the amount spent for the 2022 World Cup rights, despite the tournament's expansion. This discount reflects FIFA's difficulties in monetizing the event in parts of South Asia, where the overnight broadcast schedule reduces advertiser demand and weakens the commercial viability for broadcasters. Similar challenges were encountered in India, where a broadcast deal was finalized only recently.