FIFA Scores Major $1 Billion Broadcast Deal with DAZN for Club World Cup

FIFA has successfully landed a near $1 billion broadcasting deal with the streaming service DAZN for the upcoming Club World Cup that accommodates 32 teams globally, marking a significant achievement for the organization.

In a dramatic turn of events, FIFA has signed a nearly $1 billion contract with London-based streaming company DAZN for the broadcasting rights to its highly anticipated Club World Cup. This announcement arrives just one day before the draw for the event, highlighting the urgency and competitive nature of securing a broadcast partner.

Sources with knowledge of the deal, who requested anonymity due to the confidentiality of the terms, confirmed that DAZN has not only committed approximately $1 billion for the rights to air the tournament but also retains an option for future rights to the event. FIFA had previously speculated a disappointing income of $800 million from television rights and aimed for a total event revenue of around $2 billion, a figure many analysts deemed overly optimistic.

The fallout from earlier negotiations led FIFA to explore a potential global deal with Apple, but those discussions fell through due to FIFA's elevated demands. DAZN, a company founded by Ukrainian-born billionaire Len Blavatnik, has emerged as a significant player in the global sports broadcasting arena, albeit not without its financial struggles. Since its inception in 2016, it has invested over $5 billion, facing substantial losses throughout.

As part of an evolving strategy, DAZN’s partnership with Saudi Arabia has propelled it into the forefront of sports media, gaining exclusive rights for various sports, including soccer and tennis. Given Saudi Arabia’s ambition to become a leading player in global sports, there are speculations that this collaboration could lead to direct investments in DAZN from Saudi entities, especially with FIFA set to award the 2034 men's World Cup to Saudi Arabia.