Netflix’s World Cup

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Happy Wednesday, Future Party. Here’s hoping your day is more enjoyable than Mark Zuckerberg’s first sip of Guinness… which didn’t seem to go down too well. Low bar!

Netflix has struck a deal with FIFA to become the exclusive streaming outlet for the 2030 World Cup in Spain and Andorra (which is being co-hosted with Portugal and Morocco).

The Big Game: Netflix has been making a big push into live content, especially eventized sports. After the record-breaking viewership of this summer’s US-hosted World Cup, there’s no doubt that the next tournament would be the crown jewel for every broadcaster and streamer to pursue. Netflix winning the rights underscores how committed the company is to boosting engagement with its live offerings.

Between The Goal Posts: Even though the 2030 World Cup will take place six to nine hours ahead of American viewers, Netflix is betting that people will be willing to tune in earlier in the day.

Final Score: The deal isn’t totally surprising considering how closely Netflix and FIFA are already involved with each other. Netflix already holds the rights to the Women’s World Cup next year and in 2031, the two partnered on a docuseries called Captains of the World in 2023, and they rolled out a video game called FIFA World Cup: Launch Edition this past June.

Now that the World Cup is on Netflix’s slate, the harder part for other broadcasters and streamers may be winning those rights away from Netflix anytime soon.

Prediction: Even with the time difference, the World Cup could break another ratings record on Netflix. The streamer has that big of a reach in US households.

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Disney is circling Character.AI’s assets as the avatar startup files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

The Big Picture: Disney has been looking to level up its interactive offerings for the past several years, including through a wide-ranging partnership with Epic Games. But what Disney really wants is a consumer-facing AI strategy (it had a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it deal with OpenAI’s Sora), and scooping up Character.AI at a bargain price could be an easy way to achieve that goal.

Behind The Scenes: AI Mickey Mouse incoming.

Closing Thoughts: Character.AI has been mired in controversy over the past few years, but that’s not stopping Disney from pursuing both its assets and talent. The key tech would be its avatar-making software, which could allow Disney to create digital, interactive chatbots of its characters. Additionally, Disney would acqui-hire all of Character.AI’s employees.

The writing’s been on the wall for Disney’s interest in Character.AI. The Mouse House hired its former CEO, Karandeep Anand, as its first CTO just last month… so it’s clear that new Disney CEO Josh D’Amaro already had the inside track.

Coming Soon: With Google being Character.AI’s largest creditor, the tech giant could jump into the ring to acquire the company… potentially setting off a bidding war with Disney.

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31.6% of you voted I’m spending about the same as usual in yesterday’s poll: How would you describe your spending habits right now?

“I’m spending about the same as usual, but it’s not going nearly as far.”

“The same grocery order in 2026 vs. 2021 is $230 vs. $137.”

“When I say ‘the same,’ I mean I’m buying about the same things, but holy cow, am I spending more to get them. Gas and groceries are the biggest expenses, but event tickets, too.”

“As I age, my travel days are probably limited, so I’m trying to travel as much as possible while my health allows it.”

“Last month was the plumber, this month the dentist, next month Thanksgiving dinner, followed by Christmas. Each a little more expensive than the previous month.”

Let’s keep the conversation going. Join Poll Of The Day, so your opinions can shine. Discover how your views line up with your peers’, check out cool insights, and have some fun. It’s data with personality.

🎭 Quentin Tarantino’s debut stage play, The Popinjay Cavalier, is slated to premiere in London’s West End in March.

🎤 SNL has tapped Druski to host, making him the first digital creator to take on the gig.

📺 Peacock is AI-generating Andy Cohen for a personalized Bravo experience.

🏠 Apple has officially launched HomeView, its first dedicated smart-home device.

📱 Google will allow anyone who vibe codes apps using its tools to publish them privately on the Google Play Store.

🦾 Mind Robotics, the physical AI startup founded by Rivian’s CEO, has hired former Ford EV chief Doug Field as its new president.

⚽ LVMH is outfitting Real Madrid’s soccer team in formal wear for the second year in a row.

🤖 Amex is trying to create the infrastructure for authenticating purchases made by AI agents.

🌯 Chipotle has made the biggest tote bag of them all — the “Big Ass Chipotle Bag.”