Washington DC-Based Avni LLC Claims $300 Million Guarantee in FIFA India Rights Bid

With only weeks remaining before the FIFA World Cup 2026 begins, India still does not have a confirmed broadcaster for the tournament. The unusual delay has raised concerns among football fans and triggered legal intervention, even as a new player has emerged in the race for media rights.

Washington DC-based investment firm Avni LLC has now claimed it played a significant role in the bidding process for FIFA’s India broadcast rights, adding a fresh twist to the ongoing uncertainty.

Avni LLC’s Claim and the $300 Million Guarantee

Avni LLC said it submitted a corporate guarantee backed by financial commitments exceeding $300 million in February 2026 during FIFA’s closed tender process for the Indian subcontinent.

According to the company, one of its associated partners eventually secured the winning bid after competing against several leading Indian broadcasters. However, no official broadcaster for India has yet been publicly announced.

The company has positioned itself as more than a conventional media investor. Avni LLC says it is advocating a digital-first strategy centred on OTT streaming, AI-powered multilingual feeds, mobile-based micro-subscriptions and esports integrations aimed at younger audiences across Asia.

“The Indian subcontinent alone has the ability to exceed initial valuation expectations,” Deelip Mhaske, President and CEO of Avni LLC, said.

Why the Delay Is Significant

The lack of a confirmed broadcaster is being seen as extraordinary given India’s massive sports audience and rapidly growing football fanbase.

Other major markets have already finalised their arrangements. China’s state broadcaster CMG signed a comprehensive FIFA rights deal on May 15, highlighting the contrast with the unresolved situation in India.

FIFA has so far maintained that negotiations are still underway.

“Discussions in India are ongoing and must remain confidential at this stage,” FIFA said.

Delhi High Court Steps In

The uncertainty has also reached the courts.

Last week, the Delhi High Court issued notices to the Centre and Prasar Bharati while hearing a petition demanding that the FIFA World Cup 2026 be made available in India through free-to-air platforms such as Doordarshan and DD Sports.

Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav issued the notice while hearing a writ petition filed by advocate Avdhesh Bairwa under Article 226 of the Constitution.

The petition argues that the absence of a broadcasting agreement could prevent millions of Indian viewers from watching one of the world’s biggest sporting events.

Falling Valuation Raises Questions

According to the plea filed before the High Court, FIFA initially valued the India media rights package for the 2026 and 2030 World Cups at nearly $100 million.

However, due to reportedly limited interest from broadcasters, the valuation was later reduced to nearly $35 million. Even after the reduction, the petition claims no final agreement has yet been reached.

The situation has intensified speculation over whether FIFA may eventually turn toward hybrid broadcast models involving public broadcasters, OTT services and technology-led partnerships.

What Happens Next?

The FIFA World Cup 2026 is scheduled to run from June 11 to July 19, 2026. Until an official rights holder is announced, uncertainty will continue over how Indian audiences will access the tournament.

For now, millions of football fans in India are waiting for clarity on whether the event will be available through traditional television, streaming platforms or free-to-air public broadcasting.

(With inputs from ANI)