FIFA and Apple TV are reportedly close to finalizing a broadcast rights agreement for the 2025 Club World Cup, which will feature an expanded field of 32 teams and European giants like Man City and Real Madrid. This agreement, if reached, would mark the first time that FIFA has sold broadcast rights to a single company.
The newly expanded tournament format was initially scheduled to debut in China in 2021, but was postponed due to the COVID pandemic. The 2025 tournament will be held in the USA as a tune-up ahead of the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Despite the tournament’s expanded format and the participation of top clubs, sponsors have reportedly been hesitant to pay the $150 million in sponsorship fees sought by FIFA. This deal would represent another significant investment in soccer for Apple, following its $2.5 billion, 10-year deal with Major League Soccer.
The 2025 Club World Cup will feature a host of top teams from around the world, including Bayern Munich, PSG, Flamengo, and Monterrey. The tournament is set to take place between June 15 and July 13, 2025.
