Streaming giants may battle over who shows the World Cup

Three big names may soon go head to head over the World Cup. Inc. reports that ESPN, Netflix and Amazon could be rivals in a bidding war for the rights to show the tournament. Those rights decide who gets to broadcast the games, and the fight could be as big as the matches themselves.

What is going on

The World Cup is the world's biggest sporting event. That is why companies are willing to compete hard for it. Showing the games can bring in large audiences, and the report names ESPN, Netflix and Amazon as the possible rivals. Netflix and Amazon are streaming services, which deliver video over the internet instead of through a cable box.

Who it affects

Anyone who likes to watch big games is touched by this. Where you watch the World Cup could shift from cable to streaming apps. Which subscription you need to pay for may depend on which company wins the rights.

• Sports fans who watch the World Cup at home
• Households deciding which subscriptions to keep
• Bars, restaurants and businesses that show games to customers

What is not known yet

The material does not say how much any company might offer, when the bidding will happen or who is likely to win. It also does not say what a World Cup subscription might cost, or whether the games could be split among several companies. Those details are still open.

What happens next

Expect more news as the bidding takes shape. Until a winner is named, there is nothing to sign up for or cancel. It is worth watching for an announcement, since the result will decide where the games appear and what viewers may have to pay.