New Delhi, May 27: Zee Entertainment Enterprises has launched a new four-channel sports network under the “Unite8 Sports” banner and confirmed that it is in discussions with FIFA for the broadcast and streaming rights of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in India.
The company announced that the new sports portfolio will include Unite8 Sports 1 and Unite8 Sports 1 HD in Hindi, along with Unite8 Sports 2 and Unite8 Sports 2 HD in English.
According to the company, the channels will broadcast a wide range of sporting events, including football, cricket, kabaddi, badminton, wrestling, boxing and other combat sports.
Zee stated that applications required for regulatory approvals have already been submitted.
Speaking on the development, Zee officials said sports consumption in India is rapidly growing due to increasing demand for live content and wider audience interest across different sporting disciplines.
The development comes at a time when FIFA’s India broadcast rights for the 2026 FIFA World Cup remain unresolved just weeks before the tournament begins on June 11.
Reports stated that FIFA had initially sought around 100 million US dollars for the India rights package covering both the 2026 and 2030 FIFA World Cups before reportedly reducing the asking price to around 60 million dollars.
India’s largest platform JioStar is reported to have offered around 20 million dollars, while Sony also held separate discussions but reportedly did not submit a formal bid.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico across 16 cities from June 11 to July 19.
The launch of the dedicated Unite8 Sports network marks Zee’s major expansion into the standalone sports broadcasting business after previously carrying live sports content through its entertainment channels.
