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Astro Lost the World Cup. Malaysian Sports TV Just Changed

By Katherine (Kay) on May 10, 2026 10:59 am |

Business and Finance, Malaysia News and Sports

Astro Malaysia

Astro’s loss of FIFA World Cup 2026 rights is not only a football story. It is a signal that Malaysia’s pay-TV sports model is under pressure from rising rights costs, piracy, streaming behaviour and public-access competition.

Astro Malaysia Holdings Bhd will not be the primary broadcaster of the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Malaysia, ending its uninterrupted two-decade run as the tournament’s main home for Malaysian viewers. RTM and Unifi TV have instead secured the Malaysian broadcast rights, with Unifi TV expected to air all 104 matches live while RTM will carry most matches either live or delayed.

For football fans, the immediate question is simple: where can Malaysians watch the World Cup?

For investors, the bigger question is more important: has premium sports content become too expensive for pay-TV operators to monetise profitably?

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Author

  • Kay like to explores the intersection of money, power, and the curious humans behind them. With a flair for storytelling and a soft spot for market drama, she brings a fresh and sharp voice to Southeast Asia’s business scene.

    Her work blends analysis with narrative, turning headlines into human stories that cut through the noise. Whether unpacking boardroom maneuvers, policy shifts, or the personalities shaping regional markets, Kay offers readers a perspective that is both insightful and relatable — always with a touch of wit.

Published in Business and Finance, Malaysia News and Sports

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