DAZN Group, the global sports media firm and parent company of the sports streaming service, has today (February 23) appointed Marc Watson, co-founder of international subscription broadcaster Eleven Sports, as its new chief commercial officer (CCO).
The appointment follows DAZN’s recent acquisition of Eleven Group businesses and US-based digital content company Team Whistle.
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Watson will lead the rights and content acquisition strategy and drive other commercial initiatives across DAZN Group.
He replaces Jacopo Tonoli, who departs after 14 years with the company.
Tonoli has been the CCO since the launch of DAZN in 2016 and has been credited with playing a central role in the growth of the platform and overseeing its major rights acquisitions. He will remain a special advisor to the business.
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Watson co-founded Eleven alongside Andrea Radrizzani in 2015 and was chief executive until the company was acquired by DAZN earlier this month. In seven years, he led Eleven’s expansion into 230 markets.
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By GlobalDataPrior to founding Eleven, Watson was the chief executive for BT’s television business, where he was involved in the launch of the BT Sport pay-TV offering, including securing English Premier League soccer rights.
Shay Segev, DAZN Group chief executive, said: “Marc has an impeccable track record in the sports media and entertainment sector. His experience will be invaluable to us as we continue to innovate and improve the way people around the world enjoy watching sports.”
Watson added: “DAZN’s ambition and customer proposition is hugely compelling. It is investing and developing a sports entertainment offer that is setting new standards for the way fans enjoy sport and delivering engaging and interactive products that will showcase rightsholders’ content.
“I am excited to be joining such an ambitious and committed team of like-minded professionals for the next chapter of DAZN’s journey.”
As part of the takeover, Radrizzani, who also owns Premier League soccer club Leeds United, has already joined DAZN’s board as an executive director and will support the company's business development.
The Eleven acquisition, which was first agreed upon in September, sees DAZN boost its sports rights portfolio in markets including Italy, Belgium, Portugal, and Southeast Asia.
The deal is predicted to add $300 million in revenue to DAZN Group.
