Introduction
DAZN, an acronym for “Da Zone,” is a sports streaming service that offers live and on-demand sports content to its subscribers. It was founded in 2015 and has quickly gained popularity, especially in the field of combat sports. DAZN is available in numerous countries around the world, leading many to wonder where exactly it is from. In this article, we will delve into the origins of DAZN and how it has become a global sports giant.
History and Background
DAZN was founded by Len Blavatnik, a Soviet-born British billionaire who made his fortune in the music and media industry. Blavatnik´s conglomerate, Access Industries, acquired Perform Group, a digital sports media company, in 2015 and rebranded it as DAZN. The original intention was to create a sports streaming service that would compete with traditional broadcast networks and provide a more affordable and accessible option for sports fans.
DAZN´s first launch was in Austria, Germany, and Switzerland in August 2016, followed by Japan in August 2016 and Canada in July 2017. In August 2018, DAZN entered the United States market, followed by Italy in September 2018 and Spain in February 2019. As of 2021, DAZN is available in over 200 countries and territories, making it one of the largest sports streaming services in the world.
Headquarters and Global Presence
DAZN´s global headquarters are located in London, UK. The company also has offices in New York, Tokyo, and Singapore. Additionally, DAZN has local operations in each of the countries it operates in, ensuring that it caters to the specific needs and preferences of each market.
DAZN´s expansion into different countries has been strategic, with a focus on markets with a high demand for sports content and potential for growth. The US, for example, is the world´s largest sports market, making it a prime target for DAZN´s expansion. The company has also been successful in securing broadcasting rights for major sports leagues and events in these markets, further solidifying its global presence.
Partnerships and Acquisitions
In addition to creating its own original content, DAZN has also formed partnerships and acquired companies to expand its content library. In 2015, DAZN acquired the rights to the Bundesliga, Germany´s top soccer league, and has since secured broadcasting rights for other major leagues such as the Champions League and Premier League. DAZN has also formed partnerships with major sports organizations like the NFL, NBA, MLB, and UFC, providing subscribers with access to a wide range of sports content.
In 2020, DAZN also acquired a major stake in Matchroom Boxing, a leading boxing promotion company, further cementing its position as a leader in combat sports streaming.
Future Plans and Competitors
DAZN´s growth shows no signs of slowing down, with plans to expand into more countries, including Brazil and India. The company has also expressed interest in expanding its sports content beyond combat sports to reach a broader audience. DAZN´s biggest competitors include traditional broadcast networks such as ESPN and Sky Sports, as well as other streaming services like Amazon Prime Video and Hulu Live TV.
Conclusion
In conclusion, DAZN is a global sports streaming service with its roots in the UK. It has rapidly expanded into multiple countries, providing sports fans with an alternative to traditional broadcast networks. With strategic partnerships and acquisitions, DAZN continues to solidify its position as a leader in sports streaming, and its future looks bright as it aims for further global expansion.