Global sports streaming service, DAZN, has successfully brokered sub-licensing deals in six Central American countries for the upcoming 2025 edition of soccer's FIFA Club World Cup (CWC). This move marks a significant expansion of the tournament's broadcast reach.
The Iris Sport Media agency facilitated these sub-licensing agreements between DAZN and broadcasters in Costa Rica (Teletica), El Salvador (Canal 4 TCS), Guatemala (TV Azteca), Honduras (Televicentro), Nicaragua (Canal 13), and Panama (Next TV).
Despite none of these countries having club sides represented at the CWC, there will be six teams from North and Central America and the Caribbean – three each from the US and Mexico. This ensures that football fans across these nations can enjoy live coverage of their regional teams' performances.
Role of DAZN as global rightsholder
DAZN was confirmed as the worldwide rights holder for the 2025 Club World Cup matches earlier this year. The tournament is set to take place across various locations in the US between June 14th and July 13th. Since securing these rights, DAZN has unveiled numerous sub-licensing deals across different markets globally.
In addition to its role in Central America, Iris Sport Media has been tasked with distributing CWC rights across sub-Saharan Africa through a deal with DAZN announced at February's end.
The inaugural edition of this revamped version of the CWC will feature an expanded lineup with up to 32 teams participating - a significant increase from fewer than ten previously. Moreover, it will now take place every four years instead of annually.
Other notable sub-licensing deals
Apart from Central America, DAZN has also unveiled sub-licensing deals in Russia (Okko) and the UK (Channel 5). In countries where DAZN is a relatively minor player, such as the US itself, similar sub-licensing agreements are in place. For instance, Warner Bros. Discovery and Spanish-language TelevisaUnivision have struck deals in the US while Mediaset has done so in Spain and Italy.
The announcement of these sub-licensing deals followed news that Saudi Arabia's Surj Sports Investments had taken a minority stake in DAZN for $1 billion earlier this year. This figure matches the total prize and appearance fund available from the event.
These developments represent an exciting time for sports fans across Central America who can now enjoy comprehensive coverage of one of football's most prestigious tournaments - FIFA Club World Cup.
