DAZN UK: ‘Netflix of Sport’ streaming service set to launch in UK with Canelo Alvarez fight this May, targeting Premier League rights
DAZN is set to launch in the UK this May as part of their new global streaming service.
The OTT platform, which is owned by billionaire Len Blavatnik and has been branded the 'Netflix of Sport', is currently active in nine countries/territories, but will now expand to over 200 - beginning with the next fight of boxing's pound-for-pound king, Canelo Alvarez, on May 2.
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A press release stated: "This first phase of DAZN’s global expansion will be an English-language service focused on boxing, building on the company’s significant investment in the sport over the past two years.
"DAZN holds international rights to many of the world’s top promotional companies including Golden Boy Promotions, Matchroom Boxing USA and GGG Promotions.
"Fighters such as Alvarez and Gennady 'GGG' Golovkin will be part of a robust year-round portfolio of premium fights and original programming on the new service."
For DAZN UK - the price is rumoured to begin at either £4.99 or £9.99 per month.
DAZN Group Executive Chairman John Skipper said: “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.”
DAZN EVP Joseph Markowski, who will oversee the global service added: “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.”
From a football perspective, DAZN already have decent prescence overseas.
They are now expected to pursue major Premier League and Champions League deals in the UK.
DAZN recently won the rights to Champions League football in Germany from 2021, ending Sky’s two-decade ownership.
They also have Champions League and Premier League rights in Canada and Japan.
Skipper previously said: “The UK is a logical DAZN market. In terms of the rights in this country, obviously you need Premier League rights, boxing is very important here and tennis is very important here.”