MBC says, "Proposed negotiation for World Cup broadcast rights... JTBC unilaterally declared breakdown" [Official]

*This content was translated by AI.

While JTBC and KBS have confirmed joint coverage of the 2026 North American World Cup, MBC has issued a statement.

A representative of MBC stated on the 22nd, "To repurchase the TV broadcast rights for the 2026 North American World Cup, we proposed a negotiation plan to JTBC on the 21st. However, instead of responding to our headquarters' proposal, JTBC announced the breakdown of negotiations through the media on that day."

The representative further added, "We express deep regret that JTBC announced the termination of negotiations unilaterally without notifying the negotiating parties."

MBC also stated, "We will strive to reach a smooth agreement in future negotiations for broadcast rights of scheduled sporting events, adhering to the principle of good faith."

Earlier, JTBC announced that it had confirmed joint coverage with KBC after receiving responses from the three terrestrial broadcasters by the 21st, having presented identical conditions to all three.

JTBC proposed securing the broadcast rights for approximately $125 million (about 190 billion won), with JTBC bearing half of the amount excluding digital resale revenue, while the remaining portion would be shared by the three terrestrial broadcasters (approximately 16.7% each). However, the negotiations encountered difficulties. Subsequently, JTBC presented conditions at a level of approximately 14 billion won to each broadcaster, and it is understood that KBS accepted these terms.

In response, SBS also issued an official statement on the same day, expressing regret, "Due to JTBC's announcement through the media that negotiations for the World Cup broadcast rights have broken down, we have been unable to participate in the coverage."

SBS further explained, "The broadcast rights proposed by JTBC, as pointed out on multiple occasions, were controversial regarding digital rights, and the amount could impose a significant burden on the company's financial stability and shareholder value."

Meanwhile, the North American World Cup is scheduled to open on June 11 (local time), with 104 matches to be held in a joint hosting by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, marking the largest scale in history.

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*This content was translated by AI.