With just days to go until the Games of the Future 2026 begins in Astana, Kazakhstan, Phygital International has unveiled its most ambitious global broadcast and streaming strategy yet, significantly expanding worldwide access to the world’s premier phygital sporting event.
Running from 29 July to 9 August, this year’s Games will be available through an extensive network of international broadcasters, the official Phygital+ streaming platform and the growing Games of the Future Community Streaming Program, giving fans around the world more ways than ever to follow the action live.
The expanded distribution strategy reflects the rapid rise of phygital sport and the evolving ways audiences consume live sporting events. By combining traditional television broadcasting with direct-to-consumer streaming and creator-led distribution, the Games of the Future is broadening its global reach while engaging audiences across multiple platforms.
Building on the momentum of the successful Games of the Future 2025 in Abu Dhabi, which generated more than 450 million broadcast views worldwide, the 2026 edition is expected to attract even greater international attention. More than 800 participants representing over 50 nationalities will compete in Astana, while around 10,000 international visitors are expected to attend the event.
A growing roster of international media partners has already been confirmed. Broadcast coverage will be available through BIGG TV in France and internationally, ESR TV in the United States and worldwide, Unbeaten in Australia, Play TV in Brazil, Fox Sports Mexico and StarTimes across Africa. In Kazakhstan, domestic audiences will be able to watch the Games through QazSport, Q Sport, Sport Plus Qazaqstan, Freedom Media, Kinopoisk, Bee TV and TV Plus, with further regional and international broadcast agreements set to be announced.
Alongside its broadcast partners, Phygital International continues to invest in creator-led distribution through the Games of the Future Community Streaming Program. More than 50 creators have already signed up to co-stream the event to their audiences around the world, helping introduce phygital sport to new communities across multiple languages and platforms. The programme remains open throughout the Games, enabling additional creators to participate.
Fans will also be able to watch every competition live on Phygital+, the official streaming platform of the Games of the Future, which will offer complete live coverage alongside a growing library of on-demand content. Selected competitions will also be available through the official Games of the Future YouTube and Twitch channels.
Commenting on the announcement, Dan Merkley, CEO of Phygital International, said the organisation’s distribution strategy reflects the changing landscape of sports media.
“The Games of the Future has always been about bringing together communities through sport, technology and entertainment,” said Dan Merkley, CEO at Phygital International. “Our global distribution strategy reflects that same philosophy. This broadcast and streaming line-up underscores both the growing international demand for phygital sport and the evolution of sports media consumption. By combining traditional broadcasters, creator-led distribution and our own direct-to-consumer platform, we’re ensuring the Games of the Future reach audiences through the channels they trust most.”
Competition gets underway on 29 July with Phygital Basketball, before athletes compete across eight phygital and esports disciplines, including Phygital Fighting, Phygital Shooter, Phygital Dancing, MOBA PC, MOBA Mobile, Battle Royale and Phygital Football. The Games conclude on 9 August with the finals of MOBA Mobile and Phygital Football.
As phygital sport continues to gain momentum worldwide, the Games of the Future 2026 marks another significant milestone in the competition’s international growth. With its largest broadcast and streaming ecosystem to date, this year’s event is set to reach more fans than ever before, reinforcing its position at the intersection of sport, gaming and digital entertainment.
About Phygital International (PI):
Phygital International is the promoter of phygital sports globally and is focused on innovating and redefining sports. It is the custodian and rights holder of the Games of the Future and oversees the bidding process for each host city.
About the Games of the Future (GOTF):
The Games of the Future is an annual international event that fuses the worlds of physical and digital and is the pinnacle of phygital sport. The tournament brings together the next generation of phygital sporting heroes from all over the world to compete in a diverse range of phygital disciplines and challenges. The Games of the Future 2025 were held in Abu Dhabi while the Games of the Future 2026, will be held in Astana.
