DAZN, the global sports streaming service, has announced the launch of its basketball division, to be led by experienced sports executive Jesus (Chus) Bueno.
The launch of DAZN Basketball consolidates the streaming service’s long-term partnership with the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and will integrate DAZN’s current domestic and international basketball offerings under a new business unit.
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The company has said it will continue to enhance its offering to provide basketball fans with real-time updates, new, social interactions, and live matches.
Bueno will be responsible for consolidating DAZN’s basketball rights, which includes FIBA’s international Basketball World Cup and Continental Cup competitions, the regional Basketball Champions League and International Cup, and various top-tier domestic leagues.
Across its range of markets, DAZN holds rights to top-tier basketball properties including the US' NBA and WNBA, the UK's Super League, Italy's Serie A, the ACB Spanish league, as well as Europe's EuroLeague and EuroCup.
Shay Segev, DAZN Group chief executive, has said: “With the launch of DAZN Basketball, we are positioning ourselves at the forefront of basketball entertainment globally.
“Chus Bueno’s extensive experience and strategic vision will be instrumental as we enhance our offering and build partnerships with partners such as FIBA and local leagues, establishing DAZN as the go-to home for basketball.”
Bueno joins from premium experiences company Legends where he has worked as its managing director for Iberia since 2022.
Before that, Bueno spent 12 years at the NBA in several roles including vice president for the league’s Europe, Middle East, and Africa division.
He has also held other senior positions within basketball, including executive director and general secretary of the FEB (Spanish Basketball Federation), general secretary of ABP (Professional Basketball Association), and vice president of UBE (Union of Basketballers in Europe).
Bueno added: “I am thrilled to take on this challenge and lead the launch of DAZN Basketball.
“I have watched and admired DAZN’s vision and tremendous growth. The goal is to create unrivaled experiences for basketball fans around the world.
“This sport offers immense potential, and DAZN is perfectly positioned to capitalize on this opportunity.”
The launch of DAZN Basketball comes less than two weeks after SURJ Sports Investments, the sports arm of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), finalized a major investment into DAZN.
Reported to be worth $1 billion in exchange for a 10% stake in the business, SURJ’s investment will see the creation of a media joint venture, DAZN MENA, centered around the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.
