DAZN Set to Expand into the UK
Back in September of 2018, the mega-streaming app DAZN launched its services in the United States. DAZN initially garnered a great deal of attention in the states for partnering with UK boxing promoter Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Boxing and gifting Hearn a $1 billion budget to work with. DAZN is already functioning in Austria, Brazil, Canada, Germany, Italy, Spain, Switzerland and the US.
GLOBAL EXPANSION
Now DAZN is slated to expand into an additional 200 countries, including the UK. When DAZN makes this grand move, it will do so putting the initial emphasis on boxing. When this expansion is made, in May, it appears as if Saul “Canelo” Alvarez v “Superb” Billy Joe Saunders will serve as the first major fight shown.
By setting up shop in the UK, DAZN will be consciously muscling in on the established territory of Sky Sports and BT Sport.
“Beginning this spring, most of the world will have access to DAZN and its unmatched schedule of boxing events. Our roster of championship fighters represents some of the world’s most popular athletes and we’ll be working with them to stage spectacular international events for years to come.” ~John Skipper, DAZN Group Executive Chairman
THE MULTI-HEADED DRAGON
Along with the boxing arm of the app, which is the most appealing to US sports fans, DAZN is looking to target Premier League rights for the British market. DAZN successfully secured the rights to Championship League Football in Germany, which added to their Championship League rights in Canada and Japan.
“This is just the beginning. In phase one, we’ll stage major boxing events around the world to attract fans to our service and then add more sports as those opportunities arise.” ~Joseph Markowski, DAZN EVP
It will be interesting to see how this substantial moves works out for the global streaming app.
“Boxing’s global resurgence makes it the ideal time to roll out our sports streaming service around the world. This follows DAZN’s significant investment in the sport over the past two years. 2020 is shaping up to be a huge year in the ring and we’re looking forward to our global kick-off, starting with Canelo Alvarez on 2 May.” ~ Joseph Markowski, DAZN EVP
By: Bakari Simpson
