This transaction will create DAZN MENA, a joint venture that will unlock new opportunities for Saudi Arabia’s growing sport sector
SURJ Sports Investment (SURJ), an investor in the sport sector that belongs to Saudi Arabia’s sovereign fund Public Investment Fund (PIF), signed an agreement with undisclosed terms for acquiring a minority of global media player DAZN (see here the press release).
Shay Segev and Danny Townsend
In October 2024, rumours said that SURJ was holding talks for acquiring a 10% of the asset for one billion US Dollars. The majority of the company will remain in the hands of Sir Len Blavatnik, an Ukrainian-born entrepreneur with British and US citizenship whose personal wealth is worth more than 30 billion, according to Forbes. Further press reports noted that in December 2024 DAZN paid the FIFA one billion for the Fifa World Cup 2024.
As part of such agreement, SURJ and DAZN will create DAZN MENA, a joint venture for unlocking new broadcasting opportunities for Saudi Arabia’s growing sport sector e accelerate the fan access to live and on-demand contents. This partnership also aims to strenghten the Saudi Arabia leadership in sport investments and capitalise on the significant growth in demand for high-quality sports tv programmes.
DAZN is the world’s biggest platform for sport entertainment and is available in more than 200 markets. The broadcaster has a pivotal role for the European football, women soccer, boxe, MMA, and international NFL. DAZN grants access to major sports and global leagues: Formula 1, NBA, Moto GP, and others. DAZN also acquired the rights for Serie A, Bundesliga, Premier League, J.League, LaLiga, Ligue 1, and UEFA Champions League.
DAZN is revolutionising the way people enjoy sports events. Sports fans around the world can watch, play, buy, share and socialise. All in one place, with one account, one wallet and one app. Live and on-demand sports content, anywhere, in any language, and on most devices. DAZN works with leading PayTV operators, ISPs and Telcos around the world to maximise sports exposure to a wide audience. Its partners include Deutsche Telekom, Orange, Sky, Movistar, Telenet, Vodafone and many others. DAZN has more than 3,000 employees in over 25 countries.
Shay Segev, the ceo of DAZN, said: “DAZN is the only truly global entertainment platform dedicated to sports, making us perfectly positioned to expand access to sports content globally from Saudi Arabia’s growing sports sector. As part of the DAZN MENA joint venture, DAZN is committed to maximising the reach and accessibility of sport, while delivering the best entertainment experience to a global community of passionate fans. This is a pivotal partnership for the group, one that is set to transform the sports entertainment landscape in Saudi Arabia and the wider region”.
SURJ Sports Investment was established in 2023 and aims to invest in sports to foster international growth and improve the sports ecosystem in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East. The firm was looking for an official streaming and broadcast partner for live and on-demand content to offer a global audience the best of Saudi Arabian sports and events based in Saudi Arabia. Indeed, SURJ’s strategy goes beyond direct investment and includes other essential elements such as broadcasting, digital platforms and fan engagement initiatives to foster audience participation and long-term growth of the sports industry.
Danny Townsend, the ceo of SURJ Sports Investment, said: “DAZN established itself as the global sports platform of choice and, with its significant successes in recent years, this is an exciting opportunity to bring more sports to fans and audiences around the world. SURJ supports DAZN’s leadership and our partnership will accelerate its growth and capitalise on the significant and growing demand for high-quality sports broadcasting. This investment will help SURJ fulfil its mandate to drive fan engagement, encourage sports participation and unlock opportunities for success, as well as further enhance the region as a destination for world-class sports.”
