Global OTT platform DAZN has announced the launch of 10 new free-to-air channels through the expansion of its partnership with cloud-based broadcast technology firm Amagi.
The 10 channels, which will broadcast globally, will host a number of DAZN’s accumulated sports rights, including two channels specifically focused on airing boxing coverage.
Boxing TV and Matchroom Boxing, the two boxing-focused FAST channels, will be joined by PDC Darts, Motorvision TV (motorsports), Lacrosse TV, Padel TIME TV, Moto America TV (AMA Superbike Series racing), Billiard TV (cue sports), SportStak (variety) and ACL Cornhole TV (American Cornhole League).
Sportstak, Boxing TV, and Billiards TV will be unavailable in the Asian market.
Under the new strategic partnership, Amagi will serve as the exclusive technology, content, and monetization partner of DAZN, utilizing its cloud broadcasting technology to ensure worldwide live transmission coverage on its channels, as well as managing the new slate of DAZN’s free ad-supported streaming TV (FAST) channels.
Elena Novokreshchenova, recently appointed as DAZN’s global chief executive of “freemium” (free) content, stated that the partnership with Amagi is “key for the continued success” of the streaming service.
Amagi co-founder and chief executive Baskar Subramanian added: “With our expertise and leadership across content, technology, and advertising in the FAST space, we’re enabling DAZN to further broaden sports content accessibility for a global audience, driving user growth and engagement for the platform.”
“This expanded partnership with DAZN demonstrates the power of Amagi’s technology to deliver a seamless FAST channel experience.”
The announcement comes amid continued legal struggles for DAZN in Italy, where it is the official streaming rights holder of the top tier Serie A domestic soccer league, and several other high-profile soccer competitions.
DAZN, as well as Telecom Italia, was fined just over €7.2 million ($7.8 million) due to the prohibitive nature of its contract with Serie A for the 2021-24 period, which endangered the competitive broadcast environment in the country.
Earlier this week, a regional court in Italy upheld the sanctions, which were followed by a price hike for new subscribers in the country, which has since drawn complaints from consumer protection groups, worsening the streamer’s position in the Italian market.
