DAZN Company Profile

Background

DAZN is a British over-the-top (OTT) sports streaming and entertainment platform, founded in 2007 as Perform Group through the merger of Premium TV Limited and Inform Group. Headquartered in London, England, DAZN is owned by Access Industries, the investment group founded by Sir Len Blavatnik. The platform broadcasts live and on-demand sports content in over 200 countries and territories, with a strong presence in markets such as Italy, Spain, Germany, Japan, France, Portugal, Belgium, Taiwan, the United States, and Canada. As of 2023, DAZN had approximately 300 million monthly users, with 20 million paying subscribers.

Key Strategic Focus

DAZN's strategic focus centers on becoming the "global home of sport" by acquiring broadcasting rights for top-tier sports events and expanding its service offerings. The company has secured exclusive rights to major European football leagues, including Italy's Serie A, Spain's LaLiga, Germany's Bundesliga, and France's Ligue 1. Additionally, DAZN holds rights to high-profile boxing and mixed martial arts (MMA) events, partnering with promotions like Matchroom, Golden Boy Promotions, and Misfits Boxing. The platform also covers motorsports, including Formula 1 and MotoGP. In December 2024, DAZN acquired exclusive international rights to the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.

Financials and Funding

Since its inception in 2016, DAZN has received substantial financial backing from Access Industries, with total investments exceeding $6.7 billion. In January 2025, Sir Leonard Blavatnik invested an additional $827 million into the company. Despite revenue growth to $2.9 billion in 2023, up from $2.2 billion in 2022, DAZN reported a loss of $1.4 billion in 2023, compared to a $1.2 billion loss in 2022. The company plans to utilize the capital to further expand its sports rights portfolio and enhance its platform offerings.

Pipeline Development

DAZN continues to expand its content offerings and market reach. In December 2024, the company announced the acquisition of Australian pay television provider Foxtel from News Corp Australia and Telstra in a AU$3.4 billion deal. This acquisition is expected to be completed in mid-2025 and will provide DAZN with control over Foxtel's sports networks and streaming services.

Technological Platform and Innovation

DAZN differentiates itself through its proprietary technologies and innovative approaches to sports streaming. The platform offers features such as "watch parties," alternative broadcasts, and sports betting integration. In October 2021, DAZN launched its proprietary video player, Mercury, and in November 2021, it established DAZN X, an innovation hub focused on enhancing user engagement.

Leadership Team

Shay Segev: Chief Executive Officer since January 2021, previously CEO of Entain.

John Gleasure: Executive Vice Chairman.

Darren Waterman: Chief Financial Officer.

Sandeep Tiku: Chief Technology Officer.

Ed McCarthy: Chief Operating Officer.

Veronica Diquattro: Chief Commercial and Innovation Officer.

Ben Barlow: Chief Legal Officer.

Marc Watson: Chief Commercial Officer.

Neil Colligan: Chief Data and Digital Officer.

Daisy Wells: Chief Communications Officer.

In March 2023, Kevin A. Mayer's two-year term as Chairman concluded.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The global sports streaming market is highly competitive, with significant growth potential driven by increasing demand for live sports content and advancements in streaming technology. DAZN's strategy to secure exclusive broadcasting rights positions it as a key player in this evolving landscape.

Competitor Analysis

Key competitors include:

ESPN Plus: Offers a wide range of sports coverage, including live events and original shows, at $9.99 per month.

Fite TV: Focuses on combat sports, offering a subscription at $4.99 per month, with additional pay-per-view options.

DAZN's comprehensive sports offerings and global reach provide a competitive edge over these platforms.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

DAZN has established significant partnerships to enhance its market position:

Matchroom Boxing: A multi-year agreement to broadcast boxing events.

Misfits Boxing: A five-year deal to broadcast crossover boxing events.

All Elite Wrestling (AEW): A multi-year agreement to carry AEW programming in 42 Asian and European territories.

NFL: A 10-year deal to acquire global rights to the NFL's Game Pass service outside the U.S. and China.

Amazon: A global distribution deal to offer DAZN’s streaming service on Amazon’s Prime Video Channels platform.

Operational Insights

DAZN's aggressive acquisition of sports rights and strategic partnerships have positioned it as a leading sports streaming platform. Its focus on exclusive content and technological innovation differentiates it from competitors. However, the company's substantial investments have resulted in significant financial losses, indicating a need for strategic adjustments to achieve profitability.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

DAZN aims to become a $200 billion media group by expanding its content offerings and enhancing user engagement through interactive features. The acquisition of Foxtel and the exclusive rights to the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup are expected to drive subscriber growth and revenue. Additionally, potential investments from entities like Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund could provide further capital for expansion.