Matchroom Boxing and DAZN sign five-year global rights deal

Ruthless-RKO
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Matchroom Boxing and DAZN sign five-year global rights deal

Post by Ruthless-RKO »

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Press Release

Sports streaming giant DAZN will be the global home of Matchroom and its world-class, worldwide stable of fighters

Matchroom UK fights will be available on DAZN in the UK and Ireland for the first time beginning July 2021 – a historic, groundbreaking move – DAZN will deliver a nonstop schedule featuring at least 16 exclusive Matchroom UK events annually to fans all around the World



DAZN and Matchroom will also deliver round-the-clock original content and programming to keep fans worldwide on the constant pulse of everything boxing

DAZN, the leading global sports streaming platform, and Matchroom, the leading international boxing promoter, have struck a game-changing five-year global deal. DAZN will be the global home of Matchroom and its world-class, worldwide stable of fighters – including a groundbreaking move that will see at least 16 Matchroom UK fights annually available exclusively to DAZN subscribers in the UK and Ireland for the first time, from July 2021 onwards. This historic agreement builds on the growing momentum and success of the partnership across all corners of the world and not only cements DAZN as the new home of boxing in the UK and Ireland but the global home of boxing.

The landmark Matchroom UK deal will see DAZN deliver its nonstop schedule of Matchroom UK boxing to fans all around the world and kicks off on July 31 with three back-to-back weekends of the return of the exhilarating Matchroom Fight Camp series. In due course, details of the exciting slate of summer and autumn fight programming will be announced, including highly-anticipated domestic, European and World title match-ups. In addition, a new on-air talent roster loaded with some of the best broadcasting talent in the sport alongside an exciting array of fresh faces will soon be unveiled.

Fans in the UK and Ireland will now have unprecedented flexibility and accessibility to watch the best in boxing anytime, anywhere, and on any device, for the initial monthly price of just £1.99 in the UK and €1.99 in Ireland – a special limited-time offer introduced when the sports streamer entered both markets late last year that will remain in place for new DAZN subscribers throughout the three-week Matchroom Fight Camp series.

Additionally, as part of a joint, long-term commitment to grow boxing all around the world and take the sport to new global heights, this pioneering deal expands upon the existing DAZN and Matchroom partnerships across the U.S., Italy and Spain, with more events planned in these countries featuring the greatest local talent. It also includes an extension that ensures all Matchroom UK events will remain available to fight fans on DAZN in the U.S. Further, DAZN and Matchroom will significantly invest in other key markets around the world where there is supercharged fervor for the sport with regionally relevant events, partnerships, and content to bring even more boxing to fans whilst uncovering the next big local superstars.

Moreover, DAZN and Matchroom are significantly investing in original content to keep fans, no matter where they are, on the constant pulse of everything in the world of boxing. To begin, the partnership will build on existing DAZN content franchises such as ‘The DAZN Boxing Show,’ ’40 Days,’ and ‘Making Of’ alongside nonstop highlights, clips, interviews, behind-the-scenes content, and classics. Along the way, DAZN and Matchroom will together develop compelling new documentaries, features, and shows to bring fans closer to the sport and fighters from all around the world – both in and out of the ring.

DAZN’s Co-CEO, James Rushton said: “Game. Changed. This historic deal builds on the success and momentum of our long-term partnership with Matchroom around the world and solidifies DAZN at the forefront of the global sports streaming era. Together, we are committed to building the new home of boxing in the UK and Ireland while continuing to grow the global home of boxing in a way that matches today’s evolving viewing habits and brings fans all over the world more of the most premium live action, more round-the-clock global storytelling, and more broadcast and content innovations – only on DAZN.”

Matchroom Boxing Chairman Eddie Hearn said: “We have made the monumental decision to sign a historic 5-year deal with sports streaming giant DAZN. This means that our UK events will now be broadcast live on DAZN along with all Matchroom shows across the world. Pushing the boundaries is something we will always continue to do and we needed a partner that shared our vision for boxing, and who was also willing to make the investment to make those dreams a reality. This is also an amazing opportunity for our newly formed production and content business, Matchroom Media, who will now be responsible for live production across our events, working in close collaboration with DAZN and enabling us to form a cradle to grave mindset across inception to completion of our shows so we can deliver the live event experience to the viewer in the narrative and style in which we have built it. As we continue Matchroom’s expansion worldwide, this new deal will enable us to further cement DAZN as THE unrivalled global home of boxing. Our aim, alongside DAZN, is to create the biggest and best live fight nights and deliver a viewing experience that is truly game-changing.”

To become a subscriber, download the DAZN app on any internet-connected device, including living room devices such as smart TVs, streaming sticks and game consoles as well as smartphones, tablets, laptops, and PCs. For more information, visit www.DAZN.com

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Last edited by Ruthless-RKO on 03 Jun 2021, 10:29, edited 1 time in total.
Counter-puncher
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Re: Matchroom Boxing and DAZN sign five-year global rights deal

Post by Counter-puncher »

all of a sudden i can watch all of Eddeh's UK shows just cos i got DAZN?

wow.
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Re: Matchroom Boxing and DAZN sign five-year global rights deal

Post by maverick23 »

They’ll need another U.K. linear TV broadcast partner to help promote the fights. Eddie’s doing a few bits with the BBC (he’s on series 3 of his podcast and he did that Canelo show a while back) so may be with them. They’d be happy with low cost content, as would some other TV companies aslong as they drive decent viewer numbers.
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Re: Matchroom Boxing and DAZN sign five-year global rights deal

Post by maverick23 »

Counter-puncher wrote: 03 Jun 2021, 10:19 all of a sudden i can watch all of Eddeh's UK shows just cos i got DAZN?

wow.
Yep - good deal as it stands but let’s see what the U.K. price goes up to.
Ruthless-RKO
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Re: Matchroom Boxing and DAZN sign five-year global rights deal

Post by Ruthless-RKO »

maverick23 wrote: 03 Jun 2021, 10:21 They’ll need another U.K. linear TV broadcast partner to help promote the fights. Eddie’s doing a few bits with the BBC (he’s on series 3 of his podcast and he did that Canelo show a while back) so may be with them. They’d be happy with low cost content, as would some other TV companies aslong as they drive decent viewer numbers.
He's doing more via his Matchroom Media, but that's all online.

You're right, BBC would be a way to go.
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Re: Matchroom Boxing and DAZN sign five-year global rights deal

Post by Scoops »

This is great if you just watch boxing.

If you also want Sky for the football, cricket etc then it's just another monthly cost to pay out. Wonder how long it'll stay £2 per month.
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Re: Matchroom Boxing and DAZN sign five-year global rights deal

Post by Ruthless-RKO »

Scoops wrote: 03 Jun 2021, 10:31 This is great if you just watch boxing.

If you also want Sky for the football, cricket etc then it's just another monthly cost to pay out. Wonder how long it'll stay £2 per month.
It will stay at £1.99 for new DAZN subscribers throughout the three-week Matchroom Fight Camp series.
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Re: Matchroom Boxing and DAZN sign five-year global rights deal

Post by Ruthless-RKO »

The new contract is for 16 shows in the UK and Ireland per year, which will be broadcast to DAZN subscribers around the globe.

The UK shows will be produced in-house by Matchroom’s own media arm, Matchroom Media, which will also be producing documentaries and regular programming away from live shows.

DAZN also announced that it is renewing its deal with Matchroom for shows in the United States, Italy and Spain, while further expansion is expected this year into Australia, Japan and Canada.

Matchroom's partnership with Sky Sports goes back to 1994 when Hearn's father, Barry, agreed to a deal to take Chris Eubank from ITV to the then fledgling satellite company.
Ruthless-RKO
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Re: Matchroom Boxing and DAZN sign five-year global rights deal

Post by Ruthless-RKO »

16 shows a year does seem less.. that's less than 2 shows a month.

Add in two AJ fights on Sky and possibl two Whyte's PPV's, makes it 20 shows in the UK for the year.

Still seems less, but I guess Hearn is gonna have a lot of his British boxers on the US cards as well.
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Re: Matchroom Boxing and DAZN sign five-year global rights deal

Post by maverick23 »

Ruthless-RKO wrote: 03 Jun 2021, 10:37 16 shows a year does seem less.. that's less than 2 shows a month.

Add in two AJ fights on Sky and possibl two Whyte's PPV's, makes it 20 shows in the UK for the year.

Still seems less, but I guess Hearn is gonna have a lot of his British boxers on the US cards as well.
Yeah - it is a few less but I assume he’ll be trying to go quality over quantity. Some of the shows, particularly pre pandemic were poor and the need for the next gen shows could now they’re able to fight in other countries.
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Re: Matchroom Boxing and DAZN sign five-year global rights deal

Post by handsofstone »

maverick23 wrote: 03 Jun 2021, 10:51
Ruthless-RKO wrote: 03 Jun 2021, 10:37 16 shows a year does seem less.. that's less than 2 shows a month.

Add in two AJ fights on Sky and possibl two Whyte's PPV's, makes it 20 shows in the UK for the year.

Still seems less, but I guess Hearn is gonna have a lot of his British boxers on the US cards as well.
Yeah - it is a few less but I assume he’ll be trying to go quality over quantity. Some of the shows, particularly pre pandemic were poor and the need for the next gen shows could now they’re able to fight in other countries.
That's just uk and Ireland shows, im sure their global push will kick on
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Re: Matchroom Boxing and DAZN sign five-year global rights deal

Post by maverick23 »

handsofstone wrote: 03 Jun 2021, 10:56
maverick23 wrote: 03 Jun 2021, 10:51
Ruthless-RKO wrote: 03 Jun 2021, 10:37 16 shows a year does seem less.. that's less than 2 shows a month.

Add in two AJ fights on Sky and possibl two Whyte's PPV's, makes it 20 shows in the UK for the year.

Still seems less, but I guess Hearn is gonna have a lot of his British boxers on the US cards as well.
Yeah - it is a few less but I assume he’ll be trying to go quality over quantity. Some of the shows, particularly pre pandemic were poor and the need for the next gen shows could now they’re able to fight in other countries.
That's just uk and Ireland shows, im sure their global push will kick on
Yeah - said there’ll be roughly 35 shows a year worldwide.
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Re: Matchroom Boxing and DAZN sign five-year global rights deal

Post by unknownman79 »

From the DAZN site

Will the best fights be on PPV separate from the subscription?

Good news for fight fans: Matchroom UK events previously available only on PPV in the UK and Ireland will now currently fall within your existing or new DAZN subscription.

Can I want(not my spelling) Anthony Joshua fights on DAZN?

Anthony Joshua fights are unavailable on DAZN in the UK & Ireland.

Can I watch Dillian Whyte fights on DAZN?

Stay tuned for future announcements.
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Re: Matchroom Boxing and DAZN sign five-year global rights deal

Post by Counter-puncher »

maverick23 wrote: 03 Jun 2021, 10:22
Counter-puncher wrote: 03 Jun 2021, 10:19 all of a sudden i can watch all of Eddeh's UK shows just cos i got DAZN?

wow.
Yep - good deal as it stands but let’s see what the U.K. price goes up to.
splendid. let's see what gets announced.
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Re: Matchroom Boxing and DAZN sign five-year global rights deal

Post by Twinkle Toes »

Much better deal for me, I don't watch other sport, so good riddance to having to shell out to get to the boxing on sky.
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Re: Matchroom Boxing and DAZN sign five-year global rights deal

Post by Ruthless-RKO »

Hearn Details Benefits of DAZN Global Rights Deal, Expects Sky To Remain in Boxing

Eddie Hearn says his new UK broadcast deal with DAZN will change the face of boxing in the UK and Ireland and ensure that regular Matchroom pay-per-view shows are a thing of the past.

After months of rumors, Hearn formally announced his new five-year deal with DAZN on Thursday, ending a 27-year relationship between Matchroom and Sky Sports.

“We now have the firepower to change the face of the sport in the UK in terms of the fights we are making,” Hearn said. “It is probably the most exciting move as a business we have ever made.”

Hearn refused to reveal the value of the deal, which also extends the Matchroom partnership in the United States, Italy and Spain, with growth into other countries planned as well.

It is 2½ years since DAZN began bankrolling Hearn’s ambitions in the US. Since then that partnership has extended to Mexico, Italy and Spain. But the end of Matchroom’s latest boxing deal with Sky Sports opened up the way to an agreement with DAZN.

Anthony Joshua, who has one fight left on a contract with Sky Sports, is not part of the DAZN agreement, so he would be free to negotiate his own broadcast deal.

The final Matchroom show on Sky will be on June 12, when Lewis Ritson faces Jeremias Ponce in Newcastle. The deal with DAZN kicks off with Fight Camp, beginning on July 31 and running for three successive Saturday nights.

“I felt within the last few years, especially with the inflation of purses because of the success of the sport, we have been more reliant on the pay-per-view model,” Hearn said. “How many times have we had the debate of ‘is it pay-per-view or not?’ What this allows us to do is make those fight nights and those cards as part of the DAZN schedule.

“AJ sits outside this deal, he has his one fight remaining with Sky Sports, but in terms of the pay-per-views that we have been doing consistently over the last two years, they will be fight nights that will sit on the DAZN platform.

“This deal enables us to put our stable of talent in the big fights moving forward. We will be able to bring world champions to the UK, we will be able to make unification fights. With the global platform, you are also going to see more UK fighters take opportunities on big US shows going forward, because of the value that will give to UK subscribers.”


The new contract is for 16 shows in the UK and Ireland per year, which will be broadcast to DAZN subscribers around the globe. The UK shows will be produced in-house by Matchroom’s own media arm, Matchroom Media, which will also be producing documentaries and regular programming away from live shows.

DAZN are planning their own launch to announce a fight schedule for the rest of the year, but it is understood that after three weeks of Fight Camp, the next UK offering would be Josh Warrington’s rematch with Mauricio Lara on September 4.

Hearn said his global ambition would be to put a show on in a major city worldwide every week, turning his company into a boxing equivalent of the UFC.

“We needed to make a change and do something different and make a move to the next level,” he said. “I felt where we were, we couldn’t move to the next level without increasing the number of pay-per-views. This is a significant moment for Matchroom and DAZN in the UK, but this has a huge global strategy behind it for both businesses.

“The strategy for Matchroom is to be the absolute global powerhouse of boxing and the strategy for DAZN is to be the unrivalled home of global boxing.”


The switch ends a relationship in boxing between Sky Sports and Matchroom that goes back to 1994, when Hearn’s father, Barry, moved Chris Eubank to the then fledgling satellite channel.

“It wasn’t an easy decision for us,” Hearn said. “We have had an incredible relationship with Sky, but this was an opportunity we just couldn’t miss.

“To prise us away from Sky, where we had a number of rounds of negotiations, it had to be a seismic deal.

“I think, when they found out about the actual deal, I feel even they just had to shake my hand and say ‘good luck to you, son’. It was too big an opportunity for our business. They were very disappointed, but at the same time it’s business.

“I expect they will stay in boxing. I think they will regroup, the key focus of their boxing business is pay-per-view, they have a fantastic pay-per-view platform, and I think they will continue to stage pay-per-view events and I am sure they will provide a schedule for subscribers for boxing as well.”
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Re: Matchroom Boxing and DAZN sign five-year global rights deal

Post by Ruthless-RKO »

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Re: Matchroom Boxing and DAZN sign five-year global rights deal

Post by Boxerbeetle »

Interesting to read Hearn basically admitting him and Sky have been ripping us off with crap PPVs for years :lol: Shame on anyone who supported that model by buying them btw :shame:

Also interesting that the £1.99 is now being described as an ‘introductory’ offer rather than the regular price, which will presumably be announced in the next few months. They’ll need to be very careful on pricing it correctly, can’t see many people paying more than a fiver a month for a boxing only streaming service which doesn’t even feature AJ.
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Re: Matchroom Boxing and DAZN sign five-year global rights deal

Post by margaret thatcher »

not gonna lie, im a bit turned on by all these photos of the biggest name in world boxing'
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Re: Matchroom Boxing and DAZN sign five-year global rights deals

Post by Ruthless-RKO »

Boxerbeetle wrote: 03 Jun 2021, 13:09 Interesting to read Hearn basically admitting him and Sky have been ripping us off with crap PPVs for years :lol: Shame on anyone who supported that model by buying them btw :shame:

Also interesting that the £1.99 is now being described as an ‘introductory’ offer rather than the regular price, which will presumably be announced in the next few months. They’ll need to be very careful on pricing it correctly, can’t see many people paying more than a fiver a month for a boxing only streaming service which doesn’t even feature AJ.
He did say it was due to purse demands of boxers. Sky weren’t willing to put up all the purse for certain fights, this is how Whyte became a PPV player. His purse demands were way more than the £1m, which was most he’d get. Anything extra came from the fans pockets.

Let’s be honest, we all knew it wasn’t gonna stay £1.99. They literally only offered boxing.

We get fight camp for £1.99, then it’ll increase.

I did read a comment saying £9.99 would be good, but honestly, would it? I say £4.99; until you can get AJ on the platform too. And Dillian Whyte’s fights.

And if they at least bid on some of the US cards that we don’t even get here anymore, kinda like NoxBation then..
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Re: Matchroom Boxing and DAZN sign five-year global rights deal

Post by Ruthless-RKO »

margaret thatcher wrote: 03 Jun 2021, 13:19 not gonna lie, im a bit turned on by all these photos of the biggest name in world boxing'
Maaattteeeee!!!

I posted this one on purpose

Image

Just for you ;-)
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Re: Matchroom Boxing and DAZN sign five-year global rights deal

Post by milpool »

DAZN show other sports but it seems we only get to watch boxing. If they put the price up, do we not get a chance to see their other stuff?
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Re: Matchroom Boxing and DAZN sign five-year global rights deal

Post by margaret thatcher »

Ruthless-RKO wrote: 03 Jun 2021, 13:22
margaret thatcher wrote: 03 Jun 2021, 13:19 not gonna lie, im a bit turned on by all these photos of the biggest name in world boxing'
Maaattteeeee!!!

I posted this one on purpose

Image

Just for you ;-)
f@cking hell mate, im loving it :yay:
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Re: Matchroom Boxing and DAZN sign five-year global rights deal

Post by a force »

I think it’s awful news. It’s good in the short term for fighters at or near their peaks as they’ll get a few years of big money from the deal but in the long term I think it’ll just make boxing even more of a minority sport.

Sky Sports News & advertising during football on Sky Sports & BT Sport are the main reasons people other than hardcore fans know about televised shows.

Next to no one will watch these shows. I’d be surprised if they get 20,000 viewers. For a lot of the Sky cards they only get about 70,000 viewers.

Apart from the heavyweights pretty much all of the big names in British boxing have had a football connection. I can’t see Sky Sports News doing features on Josh Warrington at Elland Road for example.

It’s the fighters turning over in 4 or 5 years that will suffer most when the moneys drying up, Fury & Joshua are retired & barely anyone’s watching the sport.
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Re: Matchroom Boxing and DAZN sign five-year global rights deal

Post by Ruthless-RKO »

milpool wrote: 03 Jun 2021, 13:24 DAZN show other sports but it seems we only get to watch boxing. If they put the price up, do we not get a chance to see their other stuff?
Some of the other sports already have deals with the likes of Sky and BT, that DAZN show in other places.
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