Tuesday, May 19, 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

NFL Rivalries Are Made on the Field, Mocked in Schedule Release Videos

Every year, teams find new ways to one-up themselves (and their rivals).
Bart Swings/Falyn Fonoimoana/Avery Poppinga
May 14, 2026

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.

Is Sports Coverage the Solution to ‘Google Zero’?

The glossy mag is betting sports coverage can arrest a traffic decline.
Sep 1, 2025; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Bill Belichick on the field before the game at Kenan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
opinion
May 19, 2026

Bill Belichick Takes Revenge on CBS News During Sudden Media Tour

Belichick said he’s requested the transcripts from his now-famous interview.
Oklahoma City, OK - May 22, 2025 - Paycom Center: Shams Charania at NBA Countdown during game 2 of the 2025 Western Conference finals.
May 19, 2026

Shams Charania’s MVP Scoop Highlights NBA-NFL Differences

It’s hard to imagine such a scoop happening in the NFL.
Sponsored

Mark Cuban Peels Back the Curtain

Mark Cuban discusses sports ownership, the rise of NIL, and the evolving media landscape.
Dec 25, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) is interviewed by Netflix reporter Stacey Dales following a win against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images
opinion
May 18, 2026

NFL ‘Tempting Fate’ With Open-Armed Embrace of Streamers

The NFL’s media rights strategy isn’t without potential risk.
May 15, 2026

NFL Teams Mock ‘AI Slop’ After Cardinals Schedule Video

The Cardinals did not immediately answer questions from FOS.
May 14, 2026; Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, USA; Emiliano Grillo plays his shot on the tenth hole during the first round of the PGA Championship golf tournament at Aronimink Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-Imagn Images
May 15, 2026

Can CBS Regain Its Golf Mojo After Masters Disaster?

All eyes will be on CBS following its issues in Augusta.