Sports streamers Fubo, DAZN announce partnership to share channels
Sports streamers Fubo, DAZN announce partnership to share channels
The first phase of the partnership will see each platform launch a channel featuring some of the other’s sports rights.
From the dawn of the streaming era all the way to today, the one constant in this still burgeoning industry is that everything remains in a constant state of flux; with new services launching and old services folding, how the streaming landscape looks today almost certainly won’t be how it looks tomorrow. On Tuesday, we got another reminder of the ever-evolving nature of the business as two of the leading sports-focused streaming services announced a first-of-its-kind partnership. Fubo and DAZN announced that they have entered a multi-year partnership that will allow for their respective owned-and-operated channels to be streamed on each other’s platforms.
Key Details:
- Teamwork makes the dream work: Tuesday, Fubo and DAZN announced a multi-year partnership that will include sharing channels and content.
- More sports to stream: The two sports-focused streamers will make some of their exclusive sports broadcasting rights available on the other streamer.
- More to come: The launch of these new channels will be just the first phase of a multi-year integrated partnership.
The announcement kicks off the first phase of the partnership that will see Fubo stream what had previously been DAZN exclusive boxing and MMA rights on a channel called DAZN1. The channel will feature “premium live fights and on-demand content.” Cord-cutters will be able to sign up for DAZN1 as an a la carte subscription or as an add-on to an existing Fubo subscription.
Conversely, DAZN will launch a Fubo Sports free ad-supported streaming TV (FAST) channel that will feature over 400 live sporting events throughout the year. In addition, the channel will be home to sports-focused documentaries and films. The Fubo Sports FAST channel will broadcast UEFA soccer matches, combat sports, strongman competitions, and more.
As part of the deal, Fubo will also be able to offer DAZN’s pay-per-view events to subscribers as well, so that they can purchase the broadcasts without having to navigate out of the Fubo ecosystem.
“Fubo and DAZN’s partnership delivers more premium sports to fans, wherever they choose to watch,” Fubo co-founder and CEO David Gandler said. “Adding DAZN’s unmatched fight content enhances our sports entertainment lineup while offering customers greater flexibility. We’re also excited to expand our FAST channel, Fubo Sports, through DAZN and explore further opportunities with Shay and his team.”
The sharing of channels is said to be the first step in this multi-year integrated partnership. In a joint press release, the two streamers said that there will be “additional collaborations in the future.” Given that Disney streamer Hulu is in the process of acquiring 70% of Fubo, it will be interesting to see how the integration of these two sports brands plays out given the forthcoming launch of the new all-in-one ESPN streamer.
DAZN has become a major player in international sports broadcasting with a host of major soccer rights, boxing, and more. However, due to the expensive nature of the North American sports broadcasting business, it has yet to create a major foothold in the United States, outside of boxing pay-per-view events. By partnering with a similarly focused streamer like Fubo, DAZN will have the opportunity to expand its brand to new consumers.
“Our deal with Fubo enables DAZN to increase access to top-tier sports content for fans in the U.S. and Canada, as we continue to provide the ultimate sports entertainment experience,” DAZN Group CEO Shay Segev. “Fubo’s viewers can now watch the world’s leading fight talent compete in unmissable events as part of a new DAZN premium fight package. Meanwhile, the launch of Fubo Sports on the DAZN platform will be an exciting addition to our ever-expanding portfolio of premium sports content.”
-
Fubo
Fubo is a live TV streaming service offering a robust lineup of approximately 150 premier channels, with plans starting at $63.99 per month. This entry-level package provides access to local broadcast affiliates 18 of the leading 35 cable channels channels, and valuable regional sports networks (RSNs).
-
DAZN
DAZN is an international sports streaming service dedicated to live and on-demand sports programming. Since its launch in 2016, the platform has expanded to become one of the world’s leading sports streaming destinations, offering coverage that varies by region and includes boxing, soccer, MMA, women’s sports, motorsports, and other major competitions.
