DAZN, the sports streaming platform owned by billionaire Len Blavatnik, is reportedly on the verge of acquiring the live broadcast rights for the Saudi Pro League soccer in the UK, Germany, and Austria. According to sources familiar with the matter, DAZN is expected to pay approximately $500,000 for a one-year deal. It has also been reported that Greece and Brazil have already agreed to separate deals with the league.
In recent months, the Saudi Pro League has made significant moves by signing several well-known European players, including Karim Benzema, N'Golo Kante, and Jordan Henderson. This has not only boosted the league's potential audience in the European Union but also contributed to the country's efforts to improve its international image, boost tourism, and diversify its economy. Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund, which manages assets exceeding $700 billion, has acquired majority stakes in four of the league's biggest clubs, while state oil company Saudi Aramco has taken over another club.
DAZN, known for offering a range of sporting events through a monthly subscription fee, currently charges subscribers in the UK £9.99 ($12.76) per month. Its offerings include boxing, mixed martial arts, and the UEFA Women's Champions League.
Coverage of the Saudi Pro League is set to begin this week as the new season kicks off. DAZN's service will feature three matches per week, including all games in which Cristiano Ronaldo, the superstar who recently joined the league after leaving Manchester United, participates.
Although the terms of the new broadcasting deal mark a significant increase from last year's approximately $30,000 agreement for the same territories, it pales in comparison to Ronaldo's reported annual salary of $200 million.
DAZN has declined to comment on whether an agreement has been reached and the specific fee it will be paying for the rights.