JTBC World Cup Broadcast Rights Deadline March

JTBC has presented a final resale proposal to the three terrestrial broadcasters after securing the broadcasting rights for the 2026 North, Central American, and Caribbean World Cup. JTBC has been in negotiations with the three terrestrial broadcasters to address concerns about universal broadcast rights and recently made a final offer to secure these rights, even at a significant financial loss, the company stated.

JTBC's final proposal is structured such that JTBC will bear 50% of the total broadcasting rights fee, excluding the digital resale amount, with the remaining 50% to be shared equally among the three terrestrial broadcasters (approximately 16.7% each). This is a lower amount than what each company bore during the Qatar World Cup four years ago. JTBC explained that this proposal, made with significant financial risk, takes into account concerns about universal broadcast rights.

Previously, JTBC had proposed a structure where four broadcasters would equally share the broadcasting rights fee at 25% each. However, when the terrestrial broadcasters expressed reservations, JTBC additionally proposed a structure where JTBC would bear 40% and the three terrestrial broadcasters would each bear 20%.

JTBC stated that it paid $125 million for the 2026 World Cup broadcasting rights, arguing that this is a reasonable amount considering the price increase and the expansion of the tournament (48 teams, 104 matches) compared to the 2022 Qatar World Cup ($103 million). JTBC refuted claims of "outflow of national wealth through high-priced purchases."

JTBC has been conducting negotiations with the mediation of the Korea Communications Standards Commission, but stated that negotiations have stalled since the final proposal was made. JTBC urged that all resale negotiations must be concluded within this month, considering technical issues such as on-site broadcasting booths.