ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro has confirmed the sports network intends to bid for US broadcast rights to the 2030 World Cup, saying the tournament was "a big part of ESPN's identity and DNA" during its two-decade run with the broadcaster. Speaking at a CNBC-hosted event at Fanatics Fest in New York, he said ESPN remains "hyper-competitive" in rights negotiations, setting up a contest with Fox, which currently holds the rights, as well as reported interest from Netflix and YouTube.

FIFA has yet to open formal talks with prospective bidders and plans to expand the 2030 tournament from 48 to 64 teams, a change expected to boost its commercial appeal. Fox paid a reported $485 million for the 2026 rights, but recent reports suggest the next deal could fetch between $1.5 billion and $2 billion given a surge in ratings; Netflix has already secured US and Canadian rights to the 2027 and 2031 Women's World Cups. Pitaro also praised Fox's coverage of the current tournament and spoke positively about working under Disney's new chief executive, Josh D'Amaro.