Kennedy Center to Receive $7.4M to Host FIFA World Cup Draw amid Senate Scrutiny

The Kennedy Center confirmed it will receive $7.4 million tied to hosting the FIFA World Cup draw at its performing arts complex on Dec. 5. The center says the total includes a $2.4 million direct contribution from FIFA plus roughly $5 million in sponsorship opportunities, in addition to event-related expenses covered by FIFA.

Details and responses

Roma Daravi, the Kennedy Center’s vice president of public relations, told reporters that FIFA provided $2.4 million in direct support and facilitated separate sponsorship arrangements valued at about $5 million. "When you look at the full picture, it totals $7.4 million to the Kennedy Center, plus incurred expenses," she said.

Senate Democrats, led by Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, have raised questions about an agreement that reportedly granted FIFA exclusive use of the venue from Nov. 24 through Dec. 12 at no rental cost. Committee documents released by Whitehouse’s office warned that the arrangement could have left the center at risk of losing other revenue opportunities during that period.

Kennedy Center leadership defense

Richard Grenell, the Kennedy Center’s president, responded in a letter to the committee and on social media, saying FIFA acted as a sponsor rather than under a traditional rental contract and that FIFA is covering all event-related outlays. He also disputed characterizations of excessive spending by Kennedy Center management.

"I take financial responsibility extremely seriously," Grenell wrote, noting that he has helped raise $117 million this year.

Spending under scrutiny

Democrats highlighted several expenditures they view as questionable, including $10,773.19 spent by Kennedy Center leaders between April 17 and July 2 on private meals and alcohol that the senator said were unrelated to fundraising. Whitehouse also noted $27,185 in hotel room charges at the Watergate Hotel for new hires between April 21 and July 16.

Grenell replied that the food and beverage costs supported donor events and that the center’s fundraising expenses ran $4 million from April through June and $9.3 million for the full year. He also said relocation and onboarding costs explain the temporary hotel charges and contrasted those figures with larger sums spent by previous leadership.

Political context and the World Cup draw

The dispute comes as the Kennedy Center has become entangled in broader partisan politics following a leadership shake-up. After returning to Washington this year, former President Donald Trump replaced the institution’s previous leadership, appointed Grenell, reshaped the board of trustees and said he was elected the board’s chair.

Discussions between Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino following the Club World Cup final in July helped move plans for the draw to Washington — a shift from early expectations that the event would be held in Las Vegas. Infantino recently met with Trump in the Oval Office as the administration announced a new initiative to support visitors traveling to the U.S. for next year’s tournament. Infantino also attended a dinner honoring Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

The Kennedy Center Honors are scheduled days after the draw and will recognize George Strait, Kiss, Michael Crawford, Gloria Gaynor and Sylvester Stallone; the president has said he will host this year’s awards ceremony.