DAZN and Matchroom Ink 5-Year Broadcast Deal

For decades, boxing broadcasters relied on the pay-per-view revenue model. Now there’s an increasingly attractive option for fans: pay-for-DAZN.

The sports streaming service struck a five-year deal worth over $100 million with boxing producer Matchroom to broadcast its matches based in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Sky Sports had previously owned the rights for 27 years. 

The deal will test the strength of both brands’ ability to bring an established audience from one subscription service to another.

• Starting July 31, the arrangement will cover at least 16 matches, beginning with bouts on three consecutive weekends.
• Matchroom is launching a production and content company to produce its live events in the U.K.

Earlier this year, DAZN snagged another long-term Sky property when it won the contract for international Serie A broadcast rights in a three-year, $2.95 billion deal.

Matchroom and DAZN also linked up in 2018 on a $1 billion dollar, 8-year pact to produce and broadcast at least 16 fights in the U.S.

DAZN, now helmed by former Disney executive Kevin Mayer, reportedly has its eye on Premier League rights and is considering going public.

The company expects to bring in over $100 million in advertising revenue this year.