CULIACÁN, SINALOA — Millions of soccer fans in Sinaloa’s largest cities will not see giant public screens for the World Cup broadcasts due to steep licensing costs, state authorities confirmed on June 20, 2026.
Sinaloa’s Secretary of Tourism, Mireya Sosa Osuna, revealed that hosting live public broadcasts in Culiacán, Mazatlán, and Los Mochis would have cost the state government between 25 million and 40 million pesos (approximately $1.25 million to $2 million USD) just for transmission rights. This figure excludes additional expenses for screen rentals, production, and logistical operations.
The broadcasting exclusivity for the World Cup in Mexico is held by Televisa via FIFA. Because licensing fees scale up according to a city’s total population and estimated audience size, organizing public viewings in major urban centers became financially non-viable for the local administration.
Instead, the government secured a localized license to broadcast 30 live matches exclusively in two of the state’s smaller Pueblos Mágicos (Magical Towns): El Fuerte and Mocorito. This targeted approach cost a total of one million pesos, split equally between a federal subsidy provided by Secretary Josefina Rodríguez and state funds approved by Governor Geraline Bonilla. Both towns were selected due to their top performance scores in the state’s recent tourism evaluations.
To keep the World Cup spirit alive without the heavy broadcast fees, state officials are rolling out non-broadcast fan zones titled “La Fiesta del Fútbol” (The Soccer Party) across Sinaloa. These larger-scale family events feature musical performances—including a headline show by Puerto Rican artist Guaynaa in Mazatlán—as well as interactive games, gastronomic areas, and Father’s Day celebrations, aimed at boosting regional tourism without stretching the public budget.
Source: Luz Noticias
