In a bold move that underscores its ambition, Shrachi Sports Entertainment Network (SSEN), a dedicated sports OTT platform, has officially placed a bid for the broadcasting rights of the FIFA World Cup 2026 and 2030.

Valued at around USD 2 million (approximately Rs.18–20 crore), the bid signals SSEN’s intent to redefine how global football is delivered to audiences across India and the subcontinent, a press release issued by SSEN from Kolkata today stated.

If the bid is successful, SSEN plans to stream both tournaments entirely on a free-to-view model, it said. This pioneering approach would ensure that millions of fans in India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan and the Maldives gain access to the world’s most prestigious sporting spectacle without subscription fees or paywalls.

Describing the move as a transformative step, Tamal Ghosal, Chairman of Shrachi Sports, said, “The bid is more than a business move — it is a commitment to inclusivity and reshaping the future of football consumption in the region. By offering the FIFA World Cup streaming free to fans, we are democratising access to the game and laying the foundation for a long-term legacy that inspires generations.”

The proposal builds on SSEN’s steadily expanding sports portfolio. The platform has already carved a niche by streaming marquee Indian tournaments like the Calcutta Football League and the I-League, while also being the first in the region to bring international properties such as the Women’s Bundesliga and the German Handball Bundesliga to fans. This growing line-up has helped SSEN establish itself as a credible player in the sports broadcasting space, delivering both local and global sporting action to mass audiences.

By bidding for FIFA right, SSEN is not only challenging the conventional paywall-driven broadcasting model but also making a strong case for positioning India as a central hub in the global football narrative, the statement added.