In a significant move set to reshape the sports entertainment landscape across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), SURJ Sports Investments, a company owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), has announced a strategic minority investment in DAZN, the leading global sports streaming platform.
This landmark partnership will also establish DAZN MENA, a joint venture specifically designed to deliver a premium, localized sports viewing experience to the region.
The investment underscores SURJ’s strategic vision to accelerate the growth of Saudi Arabia’s burgeoning sports sector and enhance access to world-class sporting content for fans throughout the MENA region. By partnering with DAZN, renowned for its comprehensive portfolio of live and on-demand sports events, SURJ aims to significantly expand the availability of premier global sports rights within Saudi Arabia and its neighbouring countries.
DAZN MENA, the newly formed joint venture, will serve as a pivotal platform for unlocking unprecedented broadcasting opportunities and elevating the sports entertainment experience for audiences across the MENA region. This initiative aligns seamlessly with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, a transformative economic and social blueprint aimed at diversifying the Kingdom’s economy and establishing it as a global hub for sports and entertainment.
Commenting on the association, Danny Townsend, CEO at SURJ Sports Investment, said, “DAZN has established itself as the global sports platform of choice, and this is a really exciting opportunity to build on DAZN’s significant successes in recent years by bringing more sports to fans and audiences around the world.
“SURJ supports the leadership of DAZN, and our partnership will accelerate the growth of DAZN and capitalize on the significant and growing demand for high-quality sports broadcasting.
“This investment will help SURJ achieve its mandate of driving fan engagement, encouraging sports participation and unlocking game-changing opportunities, and further showcasing the region as a destination for world-class sports.”
Shay Segev, CEO of DAZN, added, “DAZN is the only truly global entertainment platform dedicated to sport, which makes us ideally positioned to expand access to sports content globally from Saudi Arabia’s growing sports sector. As part of the DAZN MENA joint venture with SURJ, DAZN is committed to maximizing the reach and accessibility of sports, while delivering the best entertainment experience to a global community of passionate fans. This is a milestone partnership for the group, which is bound to transform the sports entertainment landscape in Saudi Arabia and the wider region.”
DAZN, which operates in numerous international markets, offers a vast library of live events, including top-tier football, boxing, and other major sporting competitions. The partnership with SURJ will leverage DAZN’s cutting-edge technology and extensive content library to deliver a tailored, immersive viewing experience for sports enthusiasts in the MENA region.
The investment is anticipated to have a profound and transformative impact on the sports entertainment landscape in Saudi Arabia and the wider MENA region, providing fans with unprecedented access to live and on-demand sports content. This strategic alliance reinforces Saudi Arabia’s growing influence as a key player in the global sports industry and demonstrates the PIF’s commitment to driving innovation and growth in the sector.
About SURJ Sports Investments:
SURJ Sports Investments, a company owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), is dedicated to accelerating the growth and development of the sports sector in Saudi Arabia. The company focuses on strategic investments and partnerships that enhance fan engagement, increase sports participation, and position the Kingdom as a leading destination for world-class sports events.
About DAZN:
DAZN is a leading global sports entertainment platform that delivers live and on-demand sports content to fans around the world. With a diverse portfolio of sports rights, DAZN provides an immersive and engaging viewing experience across multiple devices.