Zee Entertainment has clinched the rights to broadcast the 2026 FIFA World Cup and 38 other FIFA events through 2034, ending months of uncertainty over the tournament's availability in India.
Financial terms were not revealed. FIFA had previously sought around $100 million for the India package before reducing its asking price to $60 million, according to Reuters.
The deal comes just 10 days before the tournament begins on June 11 across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
India's dominant sports broadcaster, JioStar-the Reliance-Disney joint venture that aired the 2022 World Cup-had offered about $20 million for the rights but was rejected by FIFA.
Sony, which previously held rights for the 2014 and 2018 tournaments, had discussions but did not submit a bid.