FIFA is planning to sell a significant minority stake in a newly formed commercial entity valued at approximately $20 billion. The world football governing body is collaborating with investment bank JPMorgan to raise billions of dollars by offering outside investors up to a 20% to 30% stake in the venture. [1, 2]
This unprecedented move follows the massive commercial success of the expanded 48-team 2026 World Cup in North America. [1, 2]
Key Details of the Proposed Deal
The Entity: The new commercial vehicle, reportedly named FIFA Forward Enterprise, will house FIFA's most valuable media, broadcasting, and sponsorship rights portfolio—including the Men's and Women's World Cups and the expanded Club World Cup. [1, 3]
Key Figures Involved: Tech investor Joshua Kushner is reportedly in talks to lead the multibillion-dollar investment through his Thrive Eternal fund. Additionally, former Liberty Media CEO Greg Maffei is acting as a commercial adviser on the creation of the enterprise. [1, 2, 3]
The Payoff Structure: Under the discussed blueprint, outside investors will not receive traditional dividends or regular cash payouts. Instead, their return on investment will rely purely on the vehicle’s appreciation over time, allowing them to flip or sell their stake down the line. [1]
Member Approval Strategy: To secure voting approval from FIFA's Congress, the plan proposes giving a collective 20% share of the entity to FIFA’s 211 member associations. For smaller nations, these individual shares could be worth several times their annual operating revenue. [1]
Why FIFA is Selling Stakes Now
Capitalizing on Record Revenue: FIFA is fresh off a record-shattering tournament cycle, with total revenues expected to reach a record $15 billion. FIFA wants to lock in a market valuation for its live sports rights while global demand is at an all-time high. [1, 2]
This unprecedented move follows the massive commercial success of the expanded 48-team 2026 World Cup in North America. [1, 2]
Key Details of the Proposed Deal
The Entity: The new commercial vehicle, reportedly named FIFA Forward Enterprise, will house FIFA's most valuable media, broadcasting, and sponsorship rights portfolio—including the Men's and Women's World Cups and the expanded Club World Cup. [1, 3]
Key Figures Involved: Tech investor Joshua Kushner is reportedly in talks to lead the multibillion-dollar investment through his Thrive Eternal fund. Additionally, former Liberty Media CEO Greg Maffei is acting as a commercial adviser on the creation of the enterprise. [1, 2, 3]
The Payoff Structure: Under the discussed blueprint, outside investors will not receive traditional dividends or regular cash payouts. Instead, their return on investment will rely purely on the vehicle’s appreciation over time, allowing them to flip or sell their stake down the line. [1]
Member Approval Strategy: To secure voting approval from FIFA's Congress, the plan proposes giving a collective 20% share of the entity to FIFA’s 211 member associations. For smaller nations, these individual shares could be worth several times their annual operating revenue. [1]
Why FIFA is Selling Stakes Now
Capitalizing on Record Revenue: FIFA is fresh off a record-shattering tournament cycle, with total revenues expected to reach a record $15 billion. FIFA wants to lock in a market valuation for its live sports rights while global demand is at an all-time high. [1, 2]