Global sports streaming giant DAZN has made significant strides in its international expansion strategy. The platform has secured exclusive rights to UEFA club soccer competitions in New Zealand for the next three seasons and extended its English Premier League matches coverage in Spain and Portugal until the 2027-28 campaign.
DAZN's acquisition of UEFA competition rights marks one of its first major entries into live sports rights within the New Zealand market. The deal encompasses broadcasting rights for top-tier Champions League, second-tier Europa League, and third-tier Conference League matches from 2024-25 through to 2026-27.
The agreement kicks off with the upcoming 2024-25 UEFA Super Cup match on August 14th, featuring a clash between Spanish powerhouse Real Madrid and Italy's Atalanta. This event is an annual showdown between winners of the previous season's Champions League and Europa League. Previously, Spark initially purchased Champions League rights for the last cycle (2021 to 2024) before BeIN pay-TV broadcaster took over for 2023-24 as Spark exited live sports rights. Sky NZ has been a dominant player within this space over recent years.
Renewed EPL deals
In addition to securing UEFA club soccer competitions' broadcasting privileges in New Zealand, DAZN also renewed its EPL coverage contracts for both Spain and Portugal from seasons spanning from 2025-26 until end of the campaign at 2027-28.
Since launching in Spain back in 2019, DAZN has been providing Spanish coverage of EPL matches. The last renewal was signed mid-year during 2021 which runs through till season end at year-end during season ending at year-end during season ending at year-end during season ending at year-end during season ending at year-end during season ending at year-end during season ending at 2024-25. GlobalData estimates the total value of this three-year deal between DAZN and EPL to be approximately $84.8 million.
In Spain, DAZN now holds rights to the EPL, Italy's Serie A, and selected La Liga matches. The platform also covered EPL in Portugal last season after acquiring previous rights holder Eleven Sports.
Other notable EPL rights deals
EPL broadcasting rights have been a hot commodity globally. In late July, Saran Media announced an exclusive agreement for a range of Eastern European and Central Asian territories. Japanese rights were sold to U-Next streaming service last month.
Domestically within the UK, live broadcasting rights through 2028-29 will be held by pay-TV heavyweights Sky and TNT Sports.
DAZN's recent acquisitions demonstrate its commitment to expanding its global footprint in sports streaming services. By securing UEFA club soccer competitions' broadcasting privileges in New Zealand and extending its coverage of English Premier League matches in Spain and Portugal, DAZN continues to solidify its position as a leading player within the international sports streaming market.
