In a last-minute development, FIFA announced it has secured a lucrative broadcast deal with London-based streaming service DAZN for its inaugural Club World Cup, set to commence in the U.S. next year. The announcement came just a day before FIFA president Gianni Infantino hosted the tournament's draw, underscoring the urgency of finalizing a broadcast partner amidst earlier failures with other networks.
Industry insiders reveal that DAZN is on the hook for close to $1 billion, as negotiations had previously faltered with streaming giant Apple, which walked away believing FIFA’s financial expectations were excessive. This deal also includes options for future rights, providing a layer of investment assurance for both parties involved.
Amidst expectations of raising approximately $800 million from TV rights—part of an overall revenue target of around $2 billion—industry professionals have questioned the realism of these projections. DAZN, known for its expansive reach in sports broadcasting across Europe and beyond, is backed by Len Blavatnik, a billionaire who has invested heavily in the company.
Despite ongoing losses since its inception, DAZN has shifted its business approach recently, aligning itself with investments from Saudi Arabia, a country now investing substantially in global sports. This partnership raises questions about potential direct Saudi investment in DAZN, with FIFA set to award the 2034 men’s World Cup to Saudi Arabia shortly, marking a significant turn in global sports financing and broadcasting landscapes.
