Friday, July 17, 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

Apr 18, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; ESPN analysts Richard Jefferson (left) and Tim Legler (center) and play-by-play announcer Mike Breen during game one of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Houston Rockets at Crypto.com Arena.

ESPN’s Tim Legler: ‘I Don’t Think About Coaching Anymore’

Legler is making his NBA Finals broadcasting debut.
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.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

A Conversation with MLS Commissioner Don Garber on World Cup, Messi, Future & More

0:00

Featured Today

Tom's Watch Bar

Sports Bars Are Cashing In From Summer of Soccer

The World Cup has brought a windfall to America’s biggest sports bars.
Jun 16, 2026; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; France forward Michael Olise (11) controls the ball against Senegal during a Group I match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at New York New Jersey Stadium
July 16, 2026

Where World Cup Stars Go to Customize Their Cleats

The world’s best players turn to a Scottish craftsman for perfect cleats.
July 10, 2026

What the World Cup Means to Erling Haaland’s Tiny Hometown

The tournament’s breakout star is from a rural Norwegian town.
July 10, 2026

Why So Many Media Outlets Are Rushing Into Sports

Sports coverage has ballooned in every corner of media.
Pillow Fight Championship
July 8, 2026

How Obscure Sports Get Mainstream TV Deals

For niche sports, getting on TV often matters more than getting paid.
Apr 18, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) reacts against the Houston Rockets during game one of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Silver Wants LeBron Decision So NBA Can Finalize Schedule

James’s free agency choice will help shape the NBA’s national TV schedule.
Jul 13, 2026; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Junior Caminero (13) bats in the second round of the All Star-Home Run Derby at Citizens Bank Park.
July 17, 2026

Home Run Derby Ratings Drop 7% on Netflix

The event’s pivot to streaming results in a slightly lower average audience.
Gilbert Arenas Podcast Playmaker
Exclusive
July 17, 2026

Gilbert Arenas Podcast Lands at Playmaker After Underdog Exit

Arenas recently departed Underdog after three years.
Sponsored

Clase Azul Tequila Founder’s Soccer Ownership

Arturo Lomeli talks about managing a tequila brand and two soccer clubs.
Jul 14, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; General view of fireworks over Citizens Bank Park during the fourth inning of the All-Star Game.
July 16, 2026

MLB All-Star Game Ratings Get a Boost From World Cup

The midseason showcase’s audience rises with a World Cup lead-in.
Jul 11, 2026; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Conor McGregor (right) attempts a flying kick at the start of his fight against Max Holloway during UFC 329 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
July 16, 2026

McGregor Return Draws Nearly 16 Million Viewers on Paramount+

UFC 329 trailed Freedom 250 in total and average viewership.
Nate Burleson Front Office Sports
July 16, 2026

Nate Burleson: ‘I’d Gladly Take a Pay Cut’ for CBS to Hire Travis Kelce

Burleson also had high praise for CBS’s hiring of Russell Wilson.
2026 ESPY Awards New York Knicks
July 16, 2026

5 Takeaways From the 2026 ESPY Awards

The annual ESPN awards show returned to New York this year.