JTBC, which holds the exclusive broadcast rights to the North and Central America World Cup, said on the 22nd that its negotiations to resell the "2026 North and Central America World Cup" rights to MBC and SBS had fallen through. With this, the North and Central America World Cup will air on JTBC and KBS.
JTBC said on the 22nd, "We offered the same terms to the three terrestrial broadcasters and, after receiving replies by the 21st, confirmed a joint broadcast with KBS."
JTBC is said to have reached a deal with KBS for 14 billion won in rights fees.
The North and Central America World Cup opens June 11 local time. The tournament will be co-hosted by Canada, the United States, and Mexico, with a record 104 matches to be played.
JTBC said, "Following the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics broadcast, we feel responsible for growing concerns as negotiations over broadcast rights for the World Cup, a matter of national interest, dragged on," adding, "We will prepare thoroughly and present a solid broadcast."
In 2019, JTBC purchased the broadcast rights for all Olympics and World Cups to be held from 2026 to 2032. JTBC initially launched an open bid to resell the rights to the three terrestrial broadcasters (KBS, MBC, SBS), but as no agreement was reached during negotiations, the Winter Olympics TV broadcast aired solely on JTBC.
As the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics ended amid what was called an "unprecedented ratings flop," criticism continued that excessive pursuit of broadcast rights, without understanding JTBC's broadcasting environment, infringed on the public's universal viewing rights. JTBC has since been negotiating with the three terrestrial broadcasters to resell the North and Central America World Cup rights.