DAZN lands World Boxing Super Series rights in USA
DAZN, the over-the-top streaming platform owned by Perform, the international digital sports content and media group, has secured rights in USA to the second season of World Boxing Super Series.
DAZN will show all 15 fight nights featuring 21 bouts across the three weight class tournaments in the 2018-19 season.
The quarter-finals of the inaugural World Boxing Super Series were broadcast on US television after a short-term agreement was struck with Audience Network, the AT&T-owned general entertainment channel, but there was no US outlet for the semi-finals or, to date, the finals, which take place later this summer.
A deal with a major US sports broadcaster came close to fruition but collapsed at a late stage.
US fans could only watch the early rounds via a live stream on the series’ official website.
DAZN's launch into USA was announced just last month through an eight-year, $1 billion tie-up between Perform and Matchroom Boxing, the UK boxing promoter.
The Matchroom Boxing USA joint-venture will stage 16 major fight nights per year featuring top boxers at venues across the country. DAZN will be the exclusive home in USA of the shows, starting in September, as well as Matchroom’s 16 fight nights in the UK.
The pricing of the US service, which is set to feature other sports in addition to boxing, has yet to be announced, but will be based on a monthly fee, with no long-term contract, and is anticipated to work out considerably cheaper than the cost of multiple PPV purchases from HBO and Showtime.
World Boxing Super Series is the brainchild of Comosa AG, the Switzerland-based company. Along with Sauerland and fellow promoter Richard Schaefer, the series, which offers $50 million in prize money, involves Roberto Dalmiglio, former chief commercial officer at MP & Silva and Comosa’s chief executive.
It is also backed by Modern Times Group, the Sweden-based media group, and Highlight Event and Entertainment, the marketer of music and sports events, while MP & Silva was brought in to sell the broadcast rights, outside USA and Scandinavia, in a significant minimum guarantee agreement.
Sportcal
