World Cup producer Balich Wonder Studio expands to North America

This expansion signals a shift where live event production is no longer a secondary service but a core pillar of global content strategy. By embedding Balich Wonder Studio in North American media hubs, Banijay is well-positioned to capture a larger share of the live sports ecosystem, which increasingly demands integrated digital and physical fan experiences. For the streaming industry, this suggests a push toward ‘mega-productions’ that leverage live IP across multiple platforms, from linear to interactive streaming. Watch for how Balich integrates with All3Media’s existing North American production slate to develop proprietary live formats that bypass traditional rights-holder limitations.

The expansion follows the July 2026 completion of a landmark merger between Banijay Entertainment and RedBird IMI-owned All3Media, valued at approximately $8 billion. Per Banijay, the combined entity generated over €4.3 billion in revenue and €700 million in adjusted EBITDA on a pro-forma 2025 basis. The merger unites legacy content brands like MasterChef and Peaky Blinders with a massive live events infrastructure, spanning 25 territories and a library of 265,000 hours. Jeff Zucker, who chairs the group, stated that scaling the live production footprint is a 'strategic imperative' for the new powerhouse.

This growth aligns with broader market forecasts for the live event sector. According to Intel Market Research in May 2026, the global live event production market is projected to reach $5.86 billion by 2034, driven by technological advancements like 5G and immersive LED displays. The 2026 FIFA World Cup represents a massive catalyst for this sector; per Sports Business Journal in October 2025, FIFA projected $2.8 billion in revenue from marketing rights for the current cycle, much of it tied to the tournament’s presence in North American venues like the Estadio Azteca and New York's MetLife Stadium.

In addition to soccer, Balich Wonder Studio is managing high-profile ceremonies including the February 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan. Per Olympics.com, that production involves over 1,200 volunteers and utilizes complex multi-location setups across Milan and Cortina. By establishing a permanent presence in Los Angeles and New York, the studio is positioning itself to win similar high-stakes contracts as North American sports leagues increasingly adopt international-style opening ceremonies and festival-length fan activations to drive engagement.