ESPN has the Future TV Rights - FIFA World Cup

With broadcasting rights to major sporting events having become increasingly lucrative, sports broadcasters are willing to pay top dollar to air games in their programming schedules. This has led to traditional and digital media outlets alike scrambling for the right to show such sporting spectacles to their audiences. In response, sports leagues have begun selling exclusive broadcasting rights on a game-by-game basis instead of offering them as one package deal. This article explores the world of sports broadcasting rights, covering everything from the history of these deals up until the present day.‍

ESPN has the rights to various sporting events, including coverage of the NFL and NBA. The sports network also offers extensive coverage of international soccer competitions, such as the FIFA World Cup, UEFA European Championship, and more. Details on ESPN’s current broadcasting rights for individual soccer leagues and international tournaments are included here. Readers who are interested in learning about other sports networks can review our article about FS1 and FS2 here

What are the latest FIFA World Cup TV rights?

ESPN won the rights to the 2026, 2030, and 2034 FIFA World Cups. The network will pay more than $100 million annually for these rights, hence continuing its long-time relationship with the sport. These rights will be the last ones negotiated under the current model; FIFA has already started the bidding process for the 2026 rights. The network has also won the rights to the UEFA European Championships from 2020 to 2024. This includes Euro 2020 and the 2022 FIFA World Cup. ESPN already holds the rights to the 2019 and 2023 Women’s World Cups.

How to Watch the FIFA World Cup on ESPN

Like most sports on ESPN, the FIFA World Cup is broadcast on a variety of platforms. You can watch on TV, on the ESPN app, or streaming through Sling TV or PlayStation Vue. TV - ESPN is available on a variety of TV providers. You can check with your provider to see what channel ESPN is on. The network broadcasts the majority of its content on ESPN and ESPN2. App - The ESPN app is available on a wide range of devices. You can download the app for free in the app store on your device. The app allows you to watch on your phone or tablet, and on your laptop/computer. Streaming - Sling TV and PlayStation Vue both offer ESPN as part of their basic packages.

UEFA Euro 2020 and 2022 FIFA World Cup Rights

ESPN has recently acquired the rights to broadcast the Euro 2020 and 2022 FIFA World Cup. The network has held the rights to the tournament since 2010 and will continue its coverage through 2024. ESPN currently holds the rights to both the men’s and women’s tournaments. Euro 2020 will be hosted in a variety of European cities. Manchester, Glasgow, and London are among the potential host cities. The 2022 FIFA World Cup will be held in Qatar. The tournament will mark the first time the World Cup is held in the Middle East.

Copa America on ESPN

The network also holds the rights to the Copa America. ESPN broadcasts the tournament every four years. The next Copa America will be held in Brazil in 2020. ESPN has also recently acquired the rights to the Beach Soccer World Cup. The network will air the 2020 event. Beach soccer is a variant of the game played on a sand surface.

2018 FIFA World Cup Broadcasting Rights

ESPN will also be broadcasting the 2018 FIFA World Cup. The network will be covering all the games live, including the semifinals and the final. The final game will be aired on ABC. ABC will also be showing the 2019 Women’s World Cup semifinals, final, and other matches outside of ESPN’s coverage. The network will also be broadcasting the 2021 Women’s World Cup finals. ESPN also holds the rights to some of the most important soccer tournaments in the world, such as the UEFA Champions League and the UEFA Europa League.

2020 Summer Olympics Broadcasting Rights

The network also holds the rights to the 2020 Summer Olympics. ESPN will broadcast all the Olympic events, including the Opening Ceremony, live. The network will also be airing the 2022 Winter Olympics and the 2026 Winter Olympics. The Olympic games are always popular television events, and ESPN will be sure to provide extensive coverage.

Conclusion

ESPN is one of the most sports-heavy networks out there, with a focus on live and highlight shows for almost every sport you can imagine. For soccer fans, ESPN is the best network to watch. It has coverage of the most important leagues in the world, and it also airs the most important international tournaments. If you’re a soccer fan, the best thing to do is to subscribe to ESPN. You won’t regret it, as you’ll be able to watch all the soccer games that you want.