Sport

BBC, ITV inch closer to deal to avoid Women’s World Cup blackout

Estimated deal would still represent only 5 per cent of the amount paid for the men’s version of the tournament

Bids, understood to have been as low as 1 or 2 per cent of the deal for the rights to the men’s tournament, were “a slap in the face” given the growth of the women’s game, FIFA President Gianni Infantino said. Picture: Getty

FIFA and UK broadcasters BBC and ITV Plc are inching closer to a deal that would see them pay an estimated $9-10 million for the rights to show the women’s football World Cup, an amount that would still represent only 5 per cent to 6 per cent of the amount paid for the men’s version of the tournament.

Nothing has yet been signed but both sides are zeroing in on a deal that could pave ...