Zee Entertainment partners with FIFA to bring 39 global football events to India; shares soar 6%

Zee Entertainment Enterprises (ZEEL) shares soared over 6% to an intraday high of ₹99.8 apiece after the company said on Monday, June 1, that it has tied up with Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) to bring 39 global football events to Indian fans.

Zee Entertainment will bring the biggest football properties like FIFA World Cup 2026 and FIFA World Cup 2030 editions, and the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2027, along with other key FIFA events up to 2034 and docu-series content, for the Indian market.

The company, in a regulatory filing, said that in line with its strategic approach to establish a strong presence across high-potential segments and invest in the future, ‘Z’ has cemented its position as a strong consumer-centric player in the multi-platform sports ecosystem.

“As a responsible Indian entertainment company, ‘Z’ is reigniting the spark to nurture the sport and motivate the youth to bring the lost glory back to our nation by enabling access to key football action across every household across the country,” Zee said.

The entertainment company further stated that, in addition to the FIFA World Cup 2026 scheduled to kick off on June 11, 2026, it would also serve as the destination for the tournament’s centenary edition in 2030.

Commenting on the strategic partnership, Punit Goenka, CEO, Zee Entertainment Enterprises, said, “We are excited to bring one of the world’s biggest sporting spectacles to Indian audiences. Football cuts across regions and demographics, and the investments in garnering the media rights and launching dedicated sports channels reflect our clear belief in its long-term potential. Our approach has been to invest in properties where we see current relevance and future growth potential. Our partnership with FIFA will enable us to unlock the true value of the sport in line with our sharp focus on growth and profitability while amplifying the excitement of the game for every fan.”

Zee said that the company remains committed to creating scalable, high-engagement sports properties while maintaining a fiscally prudent approach to strengthen its presence in the Indian entertainment landscape. It added that its partnership with FIFA for key global sporting events is expected to deliver strategic long-term benefits.

The company noted that the collaboration would help build a strong foundation for its sports business and enhance its subscriber base across both linear and digital segments. It also stated that the partnership is likely to support growth in its overall audience reach.

Zee further said that the association would help fortify brand partnerships by tapping into newer advertiser segments, while also unlocking a new consumer cohort and catering to diverse entertainment needs.

Zee Entertainment share price

Following the development, Zee was trading at ₹98.28 apiece on the National Stock Exchange, gaining 5.55%.

From the beginning of the year, the stock has jumped 9%. It has a market capitalisation of ₹9,441.91.