Seven expected to air FIFA Women’s World Cup next year

Seven West Media is in the box seat to become the free-to-air home of the Matildas when they compete in the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia next year.

Telco giant Optus was the successful bidder for the rights to more than 60 matches, but was scoping the market for a free-to-air broadcast partner that could simulcast key games and finals when the tournament, which is being co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand, commences next July.

Multiple media sources, who spoke anonymously because the deal isn’t finalised, said Seven had emerged as the preferred bidder after Ten and Paramount failed to meet the financial expectations of Optus. If a deal is signed, Seven will simulcast all Matildas matches and the finals of the tournament.

Optus declined to comment. Seven was approached for comment.

A deal with a free-to-air partner will come more than a year after Optus won the broadcast rights to all 64 matches of the tournament, which it will air live and on demand through its Optus Sport app. Optus, which has not revealed the price of the deal, opened a tender process with Australia’s free-to-air television networks last June.

Sources close to the deal said FA does not have input on the rights negotiations. FIFA is also not involved in the negotiation process, but must be notified of a final decision. Separate sources said SBS, Paramount (the owner of Network Ten), Seven West Media and Nine Entertainment Co (the owner of this masthead) all submitted offers in the tender process.

Australia’s anti-siphoning laws require free-to-air television networks to be given the chance to bid for every match of the FIFA World Cup tournament that involves an Australian team, the finals or a tournament if it is played locally. However, the women’s FIFA World Cup tournament is not covered under these laws. Optus was not legally obliged to sell any free-to-air rights, but sources previously told this masthead FIFA requires a degree of free access in host nations for their major tournaments.

Optus is already home to the English Premier League, FA Women’s Super League and Spain’s La Liga, among other overseas competitions. Paramount and Ten are broadcasters of the A-Leagues, Socceroos and Matildas (friendlies and Asian Football Confederation matches) and Stan is the broadcaster of the UEFA Champions League.

The 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup will be held from July 20 to August 20, across nine host cities in 10 stadiums in both Australia and New Zealand. The final will be held at Sydney’s Stadium Australia and is one of the biggest international events to be hosted in Australia since the Sydney 2000 Olympics.