Shrachi Sports Entertainment Network (SSEN), a sports OTT platform, has placed its bid for the broadcasting rights of the FIFA World Cup 2026 and 2030. Valued at approximately Rs 18-20 crores, the bid reflects SSEN’s drive to bring out the competition of the highest level of the game for the football-passionate people across India and the subcontinent.
If SSEN wins the rights, then the company has plans to stream both the tournaments entirely on a free-to-view basis. This pioneering model would ensure that millions of fans across India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Nepal, and the Maldives can watch the world’s greatest sporting event without subscription fees or barriers to entry.
The company’s chairman Tamal Ghosal revealed while speaking to Parallel Sports, So far, plans have been made, we will not charge separate registration fees for watching World Cup football matches. We have not prioritized the issue of our business from this venture. Rather, it is an initiative for the football lovers to inspire the future generation by reshaping the future of football consumption in the region.”
Significantly, SSEN has already been showing live streaming of the Bundesliga Women’s league and the German Cup. The company is reportedly in talks to win the broadcasting rights of a few more top European Leagues in the coming days. The network also streams marquee tournaments, including the Calcutta Premier Division Football League and the I-League.
By taking these decisive steps, SSEN signals its determination not only to challenge conventional sports broadcasting models but also to position India as a central hub in the global football narrative.
