DAZN, the global sports over-the-top service, has acquired digital streaming solutions platform ViewLift, in a move that potentially pre-empts further activity in the US market.
Upon completion of the deal, reportedly worth around $100 million across cash considerations and stock, ViewLift will become part of DAZN Group as a business unit within the wider firm, with existing ViewLift executives and staff maintaining operation of the company.
ViewLift’s current portfolio of clients includes 15 major US sports franchises and five regional sports networks (RSNs), and other prominent international properties.
Past and present ViewLift clients include the likes of the Washington DC-based Monumental Sports & Entertainment (which owns the Washington Wizards and Mystics basketball and Washington Capitals ice hockey teams), the NHL’s Florida Panthers, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Las Vegas Golden Knights, and the NHL itself.
With this acquisition, DAZN is closing in on its expansion goals in the US, having chased NBA, MLB, and NHL local broadcast rights already.
Indeed, DAZN Group chief executive Shay Segev commented on the acquisition: “This announcement is an exciting step forward in DAZN's US expansion plans. ViewLift is a superb company - it's a profitable sports technology business led by an experienced management team with deep relationships across the US sports ecosystem.”
Another aspect of the deal is that it adds to DAZN’s B2B business capabilities, with Segev continuing: “The acquisition will enable DAZN to expand both its US presence and its platform capabilities - extending beyond its direct-to-consumer offering into a scalable B2B2C and SaaS model that allows leagues and clubs to operate their own digital products while leveraging DAZN's global reach and technology.
“We look forward to completing the acquisition and bringing the entire team and their clients into the DAZN family. Together, we can play a pivotal role in the US sports market, supporting a growing roster of teams, leagues, and competitions with world-class technologies and experiences for their fans."
Earlier in 2026, DAZN was reportedly interested in acquiring the now-defunct RSN operator MSSG, but only on the provision that it managed to retain the majority of its local sports rightsholdings, which did not come to pass.
DAZN was subsequently rumoured to be interested in acquiring the rights to those teams left without a local broadcast home following MSSG’s dissolution, which could still happen.
If DAZN could pick up local rights to these teams, then those would serve as a bridge to push into the US market for the business - DAZN has struggled for brand recognition in the US, outside of the combat sports business, in the past.
DAZN already serves as the global operator (outside of the US) for the NHL TV broadcast service, and holds NBA rights in a number of markets, illustrating its familiarity with both competitions (although the leagues will not be involved in negotiations).
Now, with ViewLift, already a prominent player in the RSN game, acquired, DAZN could be well positioned to secure a rumored league-wide local rights bundle as the Uss major leagues position themselves to centralize local rights.
