DAZN
- Major events will be shown in 53 countries on DAZN
- PFL Europe League will be broadcast in prime time
Sports streaming service DAZN has signed an international rights deal with the Professional Fighters League (PFL), with the two parties also forming a joint venture to launch a European league in 2023.
DAZN will become the exclusive broadcaster of PFL’s global mixed martial arts (MMA) events in 53 markets, including the UK, Ireland and Spain, while it will also distribute the new PFL PPV Super Fight Division outside North America.
The PFL Europe League is the organisation’s first regional competition. All events will be staged in Europe and broadcast during primetime, featuring the leading emerging MMA athletes from the continent.
“PFL Europe is the beginning of the Champions League of MMA from PFL” said Peter Murray, PFL chief executive.
“We are excited to have DAZN as our strategic media rights distribution partner in Europe for all of fight franchises – PFL Global League, PFL Challenger Series, PFL Europe, and PFL PPV Super Fight Division.”
For DAZN, the deal strengthens its combat sport credentials and illustrates to rights holders the capability of its global platform.
“DAZN is fast becoming the preferred partner for rights holders for the simple reason that we can provide a truly global solution, access to fanbases across the world,” said Shay Segev, DAZN chief executive.
“We have a strong track record investing in and accelerating the growth of sports. We are also more agile and innovative than traditional broadcasters and, like the PFL, we want to stay relevant to today’s consumer.
“With DAZN, fans can either watch in the traditional linear way or enjoy a more immersive and interactive entertainment experience with greater gamification and bolt-on products and services.”
