Netflix has obtained the U.S. broadcasting rights for one of the most esteemed competitions in soccer: the FIFA Women’s World Cup.

On December 20, FIFA announced that Netflix will be streaming the FIFA Women’s World Cup tournaments in 2027 and 2031, signifying the streaming service’s inaugural complete acquisition of the event. This also marks the first instance where the Women’s World Cup will be accessible on a streaming platform in the U.S.

Alongside providing broadcasts in both English and Spanish, Netflix intends to produce exclusive documentary content that will highlight the teams and athletes in the lead-up to the tournaments. Bela Bajaria, Netflix’s Chief Content Officer, emphasized the platform’s achievements in women’s sports, citing the unprecedented viewership of the boxing match between Amanda Serrano and Katie Taylor. “I have witnessed the extraordinary growth of the fanbase for the FIFA Women’s World Cup, from the exhilarating atmosphere in France in 2019 to the astounding energy in Australia and New Zealand in 2023,” Bajaria stated. “This alliance transcends merely streaming games—it’s about honoring the athletes, the culture, and the enthusiasm that is driving the global ascent of women’s sports.”

This development signifies a notable departure from FIFA’s conventional live-to-air broadcasting approach and represents a thoughtful risk for both FIFA and Netflix. FIFA acknowledged that reduced offers from broadcasters prior to the 2023 tournament rendered the Netflix agreement an attractive alternative. This collaboration could also prove to be a significant success for Netflix, considering that the Women’s World Cup drew over a billion viewers in 2019.

FIFA has encountered persistent criticism regarding gender disparities in soccer, but the organization has initiated efforts to tackle this issue. In 2023, FIFA declared it would increase the prize money for the Women’s World Cup to $150 million as part of a three-year gender equity strategy. This plan also encompasses pledges to enhance the representation of women in coaching and administrative roles, along with a partnership with UN Women to advocate for gender equality.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino lauded the Netflix agreement, calling it a “momentous day for broadcasting and women’s football.” He remarked, “This deal conveys a powerful message about the genuine worth of the FIFA Women’s World Cup and the global women’s game.”