JAS Secures World Cup Rights for 2026 and 2030, Promises Broadcasts

The FIFA World Cup has officially begun with the opening ceremony and the first match featuring host nation Mexico.

JAS Group has acquired the rights to broadcast the FIFA World Cup, becoming the last ASEAN nation to secure rights for the current tournament and the first for the 2030 edition.

The opening ceremony took place at the historic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, featuring performances by Mexican artists and Colombian superstar Shakira.

The first match of the tournament saw host Mexico defeat South Africa 2-0, with three red cards issued during the game.

Details on the next match and the broadcast plans, including free-to-air coverage and streaming options via Monomx.

The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) is coordinating to prevent signal leakage and address potential issues.

The acquisition of World Cup rights is presented as a major strategic move for JAS Group, solidifying their position as a regional sports entertainment platform.

Details on the Monomx streaming package, including pricing and bundled content like the Premier League and FA Cup.

The deal signifies a strategic relationship between JAS and FIFA, extending to 2030 and ensuring continuous delivery of world-class FIFA events to Thai fans.

The reported value of the rights for both tournaments and other FIFA events is approximately $70 million USD.

JAS acknowledges the deal is a long-term investment, not necessarily profitable in the short term, and was undertaken without additional government support.

The acquisition involved collaboration with the government and football associations, termed 'Team Thailand,' to avoid bidding wars and ensure fair pricing.

JAS commits to broadcasting at least one match per day, with the opening and final matches guaranteed free viewing.

The negotiation for the World Cup rights spanned over a year, with JAS stepping in when the government indicated it could not proceed.

Details on the payment schedule for the $70 million USD deal, including initial installments and future payments.

JAS is set to operate as a business, leveraging its platform for continuous marketing and engagement over the next four years.

The NBTC's stance on 'must-have' content and the implications of the World Cup being removed from the mandatory list.

Explanation of 'must-have' versus 'carry' content criteria for digital television broadcasts.