Overview
- Former AIFF official Shaji Prabhakaran said negotiations were complete and an announcement was expected next week, a claim he posted on X on Saturday, May 23.
- As of the latest reports there was no on‑record confirmation from FIFA or any Indian broadcaster, so the development remains a strong indication of progress rather than a signed public deal.
- Multiple outlets report FIFA cut its opening valuation from roughly $100 million to about $35 million for a combined 2026/2030 package and rejected a reported $20 million offer from JioHotstar.
- Zee emerged as a late, serious contender while JioHotstar remained interested at lower valuations and Sony and FanCode stayed out, a dynamic shaped by recent consolidation in India’s OTT and sports market.
- Broadcasters’ hesitation stemmed from timing and commercial limits—nearly 90% of matches fall between midnight and 6 am IST—which will leave winners little time to sell ads, build subscriber plans or mount full marketing campaigns even if a deal is finalised.