Thursday, May 14, 2026

DAZN Needs Cash

Canelo DAZN
Photo Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

DAZN owner Len Blavatnik is reportedly looking to sell an equity stake in the startup streaming service, but an outright sale isn’t out of the question. Without sports, customers have paused subscriptions and the broadcaster has looked to defer rights payments to leagues. DAZN has $4.5 billion in commitments for exclusive broadcasting rights that include top-level European soccer leagues and boxing.

Reports suggest the $3.6 billion valuation the company reached when Japanese advertising agency Dentsu bought 10% in 2018 is unlikely. DAZN has reportedly unsuccessfully approached large media companies, including Liberty Global, for investment. An effort to raise $500 million last year was stopped when the coronavirus pandemic took off.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign up for
The Memo Newsletter

Get the biggest stories and best analysis on the business of sports delivered to your inbox twice every weekday and twice on weekends.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

May 2, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey (0) drives past Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) during the first quarter of game seven of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden.

First Round of NBA Playoffs Reaches 33-Year Viewership High

Game 7 of the 76ers-Celtics series averaged 11 million viewers.
Feb 8, 2026; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Cooper Kupp (10) catches a pass against New England Patriots cornerback Marcus Jones (25) in the first half in Super Bowl LX at Levi's Stadium.

Nielsen’s New Ratings Formula Could Boost Viewership Numbers

The pilot program shows a sizable lift in viewing audiences.
Apr 22, 2026; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Wild center Joel Eriksson Ek (14) celebrates his goal with teammates during the second period in game three of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Dallas Stars at Grand Casino Arena.

Main Street Sports Now One Step Closer to Official Demise

The embattled regional sports network operator reaches another inflection point.
PWHL

PWHL Eyes Mainstream Breakthrough As Playoffs Begin

The start of the PWHL Playoffs brings no shortage of storylines.

Featured Today

Bart Swings/Falyn Fonoimoana/Avery Poppinga

OnlyFans Is Paying Pro Athletes What Their Sports Won’t

The adult-content platform is a reliable income source for niche athletes.
May 13, 2026

How Sports Graphic Designers Are Grappling With the Rise of AI Art

The release of ChatGPT 2.0 Images sparked a conversation among sports designers.
May 12, 2026

Collectible Cups Are Sending Sports Fans Into a Frenzy

The drink is secondary to the wild vessel it comes in.
Matt Palumb
May 8, 2026

Pro Lacrosse’s Top Ref Is As Famous As the Players

The last celebrity referee is in the Premier Lacrosse League.

NFL Schedule Rollout Ramps Up With Full Thanksgiving Slate, Leak Frenzy

CBS gets a top NFC North rivalry to start the Thanksgiving Day games.
Los Angeles, CA - May 8, 2026 - LAPC: Stephen A Smith and Skip Bayless on the set of First Take.
May 13, 2026

‘First Take’ Ratings Up 24% for Skip Bayless Return

The episode marked Bayless’s first ESPN appearance in a decade.
May 13, 2026

Netflix Deepens Its NFL Ties With Expanded Five-Game Package

The streaming giant significantly increased its presence with the league.
Sponsored

What Is It Like to Run the Knicks?

Dave Checketts on his time running the Knicks & Jazz, Jordan war stories, and his investment strategy across major sports leagues.
Mar 15, 2025; Charlotte, NC, USA; ACC commissioner Jim Phillips hands the championship trophy to Duke Blue Devils head coach Jon Scheyer after the 2025 ACC Conference Championship game against the Louisville Cardinals at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
May 13, 2026

ACC Backs Duke-Amazon Deal Despite Big Ten Concerns

ACC commissioner Jim Phillips revealed ESPN was involved in the discussions.
TNT Sports
May 13, 2026

WBD Leans Further Into Sports With Paramount Deal Looming

The TNT Sports parent company pushes ahead with its own programming plans.
Apex, NC - February 15, 2026: Portrait of the Super Bowl LXI 61 Football.
May 13, 2026

ESPN Wants Its First Super Bowl to Be the Most-Watched Ever

Fox’s broadcast of Super Bowl LIX holds the current record.
May 13, 2026

NFL International Slate Gives Legacy Networks Bigger Stage

Legacy broadcast networks are core to this part of the schedule.