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World Cup rights and NFL rights could be on the market at the same time

Fox Sports' World Cup dominance may force a rare simultaneous auction of global soccer and NFL broadcast rights

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The brief

Fox Sports is reporting record viewership for its 2026 World Cup pregame coverage, signaling renewed U.S. interest in soccer. The network’s strong performance—highlighted by *The Hollywood Reporter* and *The New York Times*—could pressure its parent company to sell the rights, potentially coinciding with the NFL’s upcoming rights renewal. Coverage from *NBC Sports* and *CNN* notes this as a rare opportunity for broadcasters to bid on both major sports properties at once, though no formal announcements have been made.

The simultaneous auction would mark a first in recent memory, with *The New York Times* framing Fox’s World Cup success as a potential catalyst for a rights sale. Meanwhile, *Deseret News* underscores the growing but still niche U.S. soccer audience, contrasting it with football’s entrenched dominance. Watch for official statements from Fox Corporation or Disney (which owns ESPN, a potential competitor) regarding rights negotiations.

No timeline for decisions has been confirmed, but industry observers expect moves within the next 12–18 months.

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Quick answers

Why is Fox Sports’ World Cup success relevant to NFL rights?

Fox’s strong ratings suggest its current sports portfolio—including NFL rights—holds significant value. If the company seeks to optimize assets, selling both sets of rights simultaneously could maximize bidding competition and revenue.

Has the U.S. soccer audience grown enough to justify high bids?

Coverage indicates a measurable uptick in viewership, particularly during knockout rounds, but long-term engagement remains lower than for football or basketball. Bidders may weigh short-term hype against sustained demand.

Which broadcasters are most likely to compete for these rights?

Domestic players like ESPN (Disney) and Warner Bros. Discovery’s networks are probable contenders. International broadcasters such as beIN Sports or DAZN could also submit bids, especially for global streaming packages.