Does ESPN cover FIFA?

Does ESPN Cover FIFA? – A Comprehensive Guide

With the FIFA World Cup set to take place every two years, soccer fans in the United States and worldwide look forward to watching their favorite teams compete on the grandest stage. However, one question that often raises eyebrows is whether ESPN, a prominent sports network in the US, covers the FIFA World Cup.

Direct Answer: A Mixed Bag

To start, ESPN does not have a direct broadcast deal with FIFA, unlike Fox and NBC, which have the television rights to the World Cup in the United States. However, ESPN+ can be a good alternative option for fans to watch specific FIFA events and tournaments, even without broadcasting live coverage.

ESPN’s FIFA Content

ESPN has been showcasing FIFA content, including magazine shows, documentaries, and news programs, for over a decade. For example, in 2023, ESPN FC plans to return to cable airwaves during the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, which will have coverage on FOX, FS1, FOXSports.com, and the FOX Sports App. Although ESPN isn’t the primary broadcaster for the World Cup, there might be specific events where ESPN+ can offer its own coverage.

Specific Events and Tournaments Coverage

ESPN+ can serve as a great platform to watch specific FIFA events, such as:

• UEFA Champions League Final: ESPN+ is currently broadcasting the UEFA Champions League Final, giving fans worldwide a chance to watch elite soccer.
• *USMNT Friendlies**: ESPN+ will also offer live coverage of the US Men’s National Team Friendlies, providing an exclusive angle for American soccer fans.

Why No Direct Deal with FIFA?

Historically, FIFA has relied on major broadcast networks (like Fox and NBC in the US) to hold the television rights to major tournaments. ESPN has concentrated on other properties, focusing on the UEFA European Championships and major college basketball games. Despite potential interest in broadcasting FIFA tournaments, ESPN might not pursue a direct deal due to various factors:

• High production costs: Covering major international events requires immense resources, including crew setup, equipment, and maintenance.
• Rights fees: The cost of securing World Cup broadcasting rights might exceed ESPN’s budget or other priorities.

Streaming Platforms and Alternative Options

Since ESPN doesn’t have exclusive rights to FIFA, interested fans can still access a range of alternatives:

FOX Sports: Fox broadcasts the World Cup, FIFA Women’s World Cup, and other major international matches, offering coverage on air, online, and through various streaming platforms.

Other Options: Sling, YouTube TV, and DAZN offer additional methods to watch the World Cup, with some offering FOX and FS1 as part of their packages.

In conclusion, ESPN doesn’t have a direct broadcast deal with FIFA, but does offer some coverage through specific events and tournaments on their platform. For a wide range of FIFA events and the World Cup, alternatives like FOX Sports, cable TV, and streaming options remain available.

Highlights and Key Points:

• ESPN doesn’t hold the television rights to FIFA or the World Cup.
• ESPN+ can offer selected FIFA events and tournaments as part of their programming schedule.
• FOX Sports serves as the primary broadcaster of the World Cup in the US.
• Other platforms like Sling, YouTube TV, and DAZN offer additional ways to watch the World Cup.