In a significant development for sports broadcasting, FIFA has established a $1 billion agreement with the streaming service DAZN, just prior to the inaugural Club World Cup’s draw.
**FIFA Signs $1 Billion Broadcast Agreement with DAZN for Club World Cup**
**FIFA Signs $1 Billion Broadcast Agreement with DAZN for Club World Cup**
FIFA successfully secures a lucrative broadcasting deal with DAZN ahead of the inaugural Club World Cup.
DAZN has committed nearly $1 billion to secure the broadcasting rights for FIFA's inaugural Club World Cup. The tournament, featuring 32 teams from leagues worldwide, is slated for next year in the United States. The announcement was made just a day before the draw for the event, which is championed by FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
While specific financial details remain undisclosed, two sources familiar with the deal have confirmed the $1 billion figure, which includes an option for future rights. FIFA had previously indicated ambitions to raise $800 million through television rights as part of its expectation to generate around $2 billion from the tournament, a target considered overly optimistic by industry analysts.
Originally, FIFA pursued a similar deal with Apple; however, discussions fell through as the tech company deemed FIFA's financial demands unfeasible. DAZN, owned by billionaire Len Blavatnik, has been expanding its influence in the sports broadcasting arena, acquiring rights to major leagues and events across Europe. However, the company has struggled financially, with significant operational losses since its inception in 2016.
DAZN has undergone various strategic changes in leadership and business models, recently establishing a partnership with Saudi Arabia, which is becoming a key player in global sports investments. The move indicates potential for direct Saudi financial contributions to DAZN, particularly as the country prepares to host the men's World Cup in 2034, which FIFA is expected to award soon.
While specific financial details remain undisclosed, two sources familiar with the deal have confirmed the $1 billion figure, which includes an option for future rights. FIFA had previously indicated ambitions to raise $800 million through television rights as part of its expectation to generate around $2 billion from the tournament, a target considered overly optimistic by industry analysts.
Originally, FIFA pursued a similar deal with Apple; however, discussions fell through as the tech company deemed FIFA's financial demands unfeasible. DAZN, owned by billionaire Len Blavatnik, has been expanding its influence in the sports broadcasting arena, acquiring rights to major leagues and events across Europe. However, the company has struggled financially, with significant operational losses since its inception in 2016.
DAZN has undergone various strategic changes in leadership and business models, recently establishing a partnership with Saudi Arabia, which is becoming a key player in global sports investments. The move indicates potential for direct Saudi financial contributions to DAZN, particularly as the country prepares to host the men's World Cup in 2034, which FIFA is expected to award soon.
