DAZN has strengthened its ambitions to become a leading direct-to-consumer (DTC) sports distribution platform after unveiling a trio of strategic partnerships spanning regional sports networks, an NBA franchise and combat sports.
The sports streaming company has been named the exclusive DTC streaming home for New York’s YES Network and MSG Networks, partnered with the Minnesota Timberwolves to launch a dedicated fan streaming service, and secured global broadcasting rights for UK-based mixed martial arts promotion FightStar Championship.
Announced within days of one another, the agreements underline DAZN’s evolving business strategy. Rather than focusing solely on acquiring premium sports rights, the company is increasingly positioning itself as a technology and distribution partner that enables leagues, broadcasters and teams to build and scale their own streaming ecosystems.
DAZN to power YES Network and MSG Networks’ streaming future
The most significant of the three announcements sees DAZN become the exclusive direct-to-consumer streaming platform for YES Network and MSG Networks from the start of the 2026-27 NBA and NHL seasons, replacing the Gotham Sports App.
The move brings two of North America’s most prominent regional sports networks onto DAZN’s platform, giving subscribers access to live games, 24/7 linear channels and on-demand programming from YES Network, MSG Networks and MSG Sportsnet. Existing Gotham Sports App subscribers will transition to DAZN, while authenticated pay-TV customers will continue receiving streaming access at no additional cost.
The partnership places some of the United States’ most recognisable franchises on DAZN, including regional coverage of the New York Yankees, Brooklyn Nets, New York Knicks, New York Rangers, New Jersey Devils, New York Islanders and Buffalo Sabres.
Commenting on the announcement, Shay Segev, CEO, DAZN Group, said, “The New York sports landscape has a rich heritage of teams, and DAZN is honoured to partner with both the YES Network and MSG Networks to become their exclusive direct-to-consumer streaming home, bringing the Yankees, Knicks, Rangers, Nets, Devils, Islanders, and Sabres to more fans than ever before. This is what DAZN does best – connecting fans to the sport they love and creating immersive digital experiences that go far beyond the game. It is a defining moment for us and underscores our commitment to expanding our footprint in the United States.”
Beyond adding premium local sports content, the agreement represents one of DAZN’s biggest moves into the rapidly evolving regional sports network (RSN) landscape, where broadcasters are increasingly embracing direct-to-consumer distribution as traditional cable subscriptions continue to decline.
Minnesota Timberwolves launch dedicated fan streaming service
Further expanding its U.S. footprint, DAZN has also partnered with the Minnesota Timberwolves to launch a dedicated direct-to-fan streaming service ahead of the upcoming NBA season.
The new offering will provide supporters with live locally broadcast Timberwolves games, pre-game and post-game programming, halftime coverage and exclusive team content through DAZN’s platform. Unlike DAZN’s traditional subscription model, the service has been built around a single franchise, allowing the Timberwolves to strengthen fan engagement while leveraging DAZN’s global streaming infrastructure.
Shay Segev, CEO, DAZN Group, said, “The Timberwolves are one of the most exciting young franchises in the NBA, with an incredibly passionate fanbase. We are honoured to be their exclusive regional home starting next season and to give fans an easy way to watch the team they love. The NBA is one of the most popular leagues in the world and the Timberwolves are an indelible part of it. Bringing a team of this calibre onto DAZN is an amazing addition to our growing U.S. sports portfolio. We can’t wait to start serving Timberwolves fans as the team prepares for another incredible season.”
The collaboration also highlights a growing industry trend, with professional teams seeking greater ownership of their media rights and digital relationships with supporters through bespoke streaming platforms.
FightStar Championship strengthens DAZN’s combat sports portfolio
Alongside its expansion in American sports, DAZN has further reinforced its combat sports offering through a new global broadcast agreement with UK-based mixed martial arts promotion FightStar Championship.
Under the partnership, DAZN will become the worldwide streaming home for FightStar Championship events, beginning with FSC 37 at London’s Indigo at The O2.
Kay Khan, Managing Director of FightStar Championship, said, “This partnership with DAZN marks a significant milestone for FightStar Championship and our athletes. DAZN’s global reach will help us bring our events to more fans than ever before, while showcasing the exceptional talent competing across our roster. We are excited to begin this new chapter with FSC 37 and look forward to continuing our growth supported by the world’s leading sports entertainment platform.”
The addition complements DAZN’s expanding combat sports portfolio, which already includes leading boxing and mixed martial arts properties. It also follows the company’s recently announced long-term partnership with Premier Boxing Champions (PBC), reinforcing its position as one of the world’s leading destinations for fight sports.
Taken individually, each partnership targets a different segment of the sports industry. Together, however, they reveal a much broader strategic direction.
Across regional sports networks, individual franchises and emerging rights holders, DAZN is increasingly positioning itself as the infrastructure partner powering the next generation of sports streaming. The company’s focus is shifting beyond simply acquiring media rights towards providing the technology, distribution capabilities and consumer platform that enable sports organisations to reach audiences directly.
That strategy has been further strengthened by DAZN’s acquisition of ViewLift earlier this year, enhancing its capabilities in white-label streaming solutions and digital distribution for leagues, broadcasters and teams.
The latest agreements demonstrate how DAZN is building a diversified sports streaming ecosystem, one that spans premium regional sports, franchise-led direct-to-consumer services and global niche sports properties. As fan consumption continues to migrate towards digital platforms, the company is steadily evolving from a streaming broadcaster into a comprehensive sports media technology and distribution business.
