New Delhi: As discussions surrounding India's absence from the upcoming 2026
In a strategic partnership with FIFA that extends until 2034, Zee Entertainment aims to empower its Zee5 subscribers to play a role in nurturing young football talent across India. The company plans to collaborate with various organizations, including the
Investment in Grassroots Football
A spokesperson for Zee Entertainment elaborated on the initiative, stating, “Zee will work with several associations, including the AIFF, at city, district, state, and national levels. This will involve initiatives for youth training and the establishment of football leagues, funded by the revenue generated from football subscriptions.” The spokesperson confirmed that this initiative is set to commence immediately, with no additional costs imposed on subscribers beyond their existing fees.
Despite the positive strides, Zee has faced backlash regarding its subscription plans, particularly following changes made just hours before the tournament's kickoff on June 11. Subscribers who opted for the three-month plan, priced at Rs 799, initially enjoyed access on three devices, but this was reduced to a single device on the eve of the event. The annual subscription, costing Rs 1699, allows for two concurrent streams.
Viewership and Financial Commitment
During the opening weekend of the tournament from June 11 to 14, Zee reported an impressive viewership of 100 million across its digital, linear, and social media platforms. The Zee5 app, the company’s over-the-top (OTT) service, attracted 6 million viewers during this period. Reports indicate that Zee Entertainment invested between Rs 250-300 crores to secure the rights for this eight-year deal, which encompasses the 2026 and 2030 FIFA Men's World Cups, as well as the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup.
