Worldwide sports subscription streaming platform DAZN is now the global exclusive broadcaster for the Riyadh Season brand of sporting and entertainment events from the Saudi capital.
Specifically, DAZN now holds exclusive worldwide rights for Riyadh Season, aside from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region where the deal is on a co-exclusive basis.
A multi-year deal to that effect, with DAZN effectively becoming the brand’s host broadcaster, was announced today.
In addition, the streaming heavyweight becomes the global distribution partner and the exclusive digital streaming network for the numerous Riyadh Season-branded boxing bouts and fight nights that are now taking place. This deal also excludes MENA.
DAZN has said the tie-up builds on its “successful promotion and delivery of the 2023 edition of Riyadh Season,” and that it is committed to “enhancing the proposition with significant investment in production and innovation.”
Saudi Arabia is now a significant player in terms of hosting and backing significant boxing fights, including fight nights outside the Kingdom.
For example, the recent heavyweight clash in London between Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois was a Riyadh Season event.
The much-anticipated rematch between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk will form an integral part of the 2024-25 Riyadh Season and is set for December 21 in Saudi.
In terms of DAZN’s sporting interest in Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, the broadcaster is most prominently a significant rights-holder for the Saudi Pro League soccer competition, while earlier this year it also provided coverage of the Esports World Cup from Riyadh.
In addition, the ties between the country and DAZN were strengthened late last month when the streaming platform announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Saudi Arabian soccer side Al-Hilal for the establishment of a new global channel - backed by Riyadh Season - on the service.
This news also comes the same week that Reuters reported significant Saudi interest - from the Public Investment Fund government-backed organization - in taking a minority stake in DAZN.
