2026 North America World Cup: JTBC Secures Joint Broadcasting with KBS – What You Need to Know!

Fans will be able to watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, which kicks off in June, not only on rights-holder JTBC but also on free-to-air terrestrial broadcasters.

On the 20th, JTBC said it had reached an agreement with public broadcaster KBS to jointly broadcast the tournament after resale negotiations with terrestrial networks.

JTBC added that it has extended the same final offer to other terrestrial broadcasters on the same terms it agreed with KBS.

Earlier, JTBC presented what it called its “final position,” proposing a resale fee of 14 billion KRW (10.5 million USD) per broadcaster. At a meeting chaired by Kim Jong-cheol, chair of the Broadcast, Media and Communications Commission, the proposed fee reportedly fell from 35 billion KRW (26.25 million USD) to 30.4 billion KRW (22.8 million USD) and then to 25 billion KRW (18.75 million USD) before JTBC lowered its offer to 14 billion KRW (10.5 million USD).

Amid debate over universal viewing rights—arguments that a national event should be available to the entire public—public broadcaster KBS moved first to find common ground with JTBC. On the 15th, MBC submitted a counteroffer of 12 billion KRW (9 million USD) for the broadcast rights and put forward additional conditions; if JTBC accepts those terms, MBC is expected to join as a co-broadcaster. SBS is discussing JTBC’s proposal internally, but its participation remains uncertain.

JTBC said the agreement with public broadcaster KBS has eased concerns about limiting the public’s access and that it will continue negotiations with MBC and SBS.