• Loading stock data...
Sunday, February 9, 2025

DAZN Refuses $1.8B Bid to Share Soccer Rights

Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports/Design: Alex Brooks

Less than a year after laying off a number of employees and refusing to pay rights fees for suspended sporting events, DAZN seems to be back on its feet financially.

The streaming company has reportedly declined a $1.83 billion offer from Comcast’s Sky Sports to share Serie A broadcasting rights for the next three years — about $609 million per year. DAZN outbid Sky to land a $2.96 billion deal for the rights in March.

Sky was the exclusive streaming partner of Serie A for nearly 20 years. Its 10-figure offer to DAZN required keeping the DAZN app on its set-top box and satellite service.

DAZN has successfully shifted its business strategy to a more global approach.

  • Last week, DAZN announced a five-year, $100 million deal with British boxing producer Matchroom. Sky had previously owned the rights for 27 years.
  • In November, it began a partnership with BetMGM for 12 fights over 12 months.
  • In August, DAZN agreed to a sub-licensing deal with Discovery to broadcast Bundesliga matches.

While DAZN has taken some of Sky’s rights, the English broadcaster has had a few wins of its own.

  • Earlier this week, it announced a four-year deal with Top Rank Boxing, per The Athletic.
  • Sky — with the BBC — signed a broadcast deal in March worth more than $11 million with the Football Association’s Women’s Super League to air on free network TV for the first time in history.

DAZN is reportedly interested in Premier League rights and taking the company public.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Andy Reid

Sportsbooks Call for Tighter Regulations on Prediction Markets

Sports betting and sports event contracts are treated differently—for now.
Brady and Mahomes

Chiefs Fatigue Is Real. It’s Nowhere Near Patriots Hate Yet

People who have covered both teams say the difference is stark.
Nov 24, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) celebrates with running back Saquon Barkley (26) after the Eagles defeat the Los Angeles Rams during the first half at SoFi Stadium.

How the Eagles Reinvented Championship Roster Construction

Philadelphia is one of the most innovative franchises in the NFL.

‘Ultimate Throwback’: The Unimpeachable Cool of Hartford Whalers Gear

Nostalgia and street cred have driven a consistent frenzy for merch.

Featured Today

January 20, 2024; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Kristin Juszczyk, wife of San Francisco 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk (44), before a 2024 NFC divisional round game against the Green Bay Packers at Levi's Stadium.

The New WAGs: Sports Wives Building Business Empires

Athletes’ wives and girlfriends are bucking stereotypes and cashing in.
Feb 3, 2019; Berkeley, CA, USA; California Golden Bears mascot dances on the court during a stoppage in play in the second half against the Stanford Cardinal at Haas Pavilion.
January 31, 2025

The Toll of Bicoastal Travel on New ACC Members Cal and Stanford

Cal and Stanford face missed flights, chaotic sleep schedules, and academic demands.
January 28, 2025

It’s Starting to Pay to Be Good at Cornhole

American Cornhole League players made $7.7 million in 2024.
PWHL arena
January 25, 2025

PWHL’s Sophomore Year Booms in Canada, Has Room to Grow in U.S.

Attendance is up 30% from last year, the league says.

Fox Sports Debuts Controversial Score Bug for Super Bowl LIX

Reviews on social media were mostly negative as sports fans are resistant to change.
February 7, 2025

Jameis Winston Eyes NFL Return, but Keeps Door Open for Potential TV..

Jameis Winston played for the Browns last season.
exclusive
February 8, 2025

5 Big Sound Bites From Radio Row at Super Bowl LIX

Straight shooting from Greg Olsen, Chiefs and 49ers team execs, and others.
Sponsored

How UBS Crafts Impactful Partnerships Across Sports, Arts, and Culture

As UBS continues to expand its impressive array of sports and entertainment partnerships, the company solidifies its position as a leader in wealth management.
February 7, 2025

ESPN Faces Potential Exit from MLB Media Rights As Opt-Out Looms

A 35-year rights relationship now faces a very different media landscape.
Nov 23, 2024; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Mercedes AMG Petronas driver Lewis Hamilton (44) leads Oracle Red Bull Racing driver Max Verstappen (1) during the Las Vegas Grand Prix at Las Vegas Circuit.
February 7, 2025

Netflix Exploring Bid for Formula One Rights in U.S. Starting 2026

ESPN holds the rights to F1 through 2025.
February 7, 2025

How Much Longer Can Fox Sports Keep the Top-Rated Pregame Crew Together?

The three have been at Fox NFL Sunday since 1994.
February 6, 2025

NFL Exec: We’re Reaching More Fans Without Spreading Too Thin

NFL media executive Brian Rolapp is bullish on the evolution of streaming.