According to reports, Disney subsidiary networks ABC and ESPN are nearing completion on a deal incorporating the 2002 and 2006 World Cups and coverage of Major League Soccer until 2006. The rights to the Womens World Cup in 2003 would also be handed to the two networks as part of the deal.
A spokesman for rights holders KirchMedia stated that a deal for the US rights to the World Cup was 'imminent'. An agreement has already been struck in the US with Univision which bought up the Spanish-language rights to the tournament.
The financial details of the Disney deal are unclear although the difference in time zones between the US and 2002 hosts Japan and South Korea could see the asking price drop.
The US national team has qualified for the 2002 World Cup.
Disney is determined to become a major player in the sports field and it is thought that ABC and ESPN tabled a bid for the NBA rights last week.
The Walt Disney Corporation is reportedly close to signing a deal for the US television rights to the 2002 and 2006 World Cups.
