DAZN announces new broadcast deal with MMA

Sport streaming service DAZN is quickly becoming a big player in the streaming market, announcing a new broadcast deal with Bellator MMA.

The new five-year contract is worth a reported nine-figures and  the partnership will see Bellator air seven events per year exclusively on DAZN, plus an additional 15 events that will be simulcast in the United States on both Paramount Network and DAZN.

Events that air via tape delay on Paramount Network will nonetheless be streamed live on DAZN.

“This exciting new partnership with DAZN is a game-changer for Bellator,” Bellator President Scott Coker stated in a press release.

“The investment will enable us to continue expanding our roster with free agents that make sense so we can put on pay-per-view-worthy fight cards that fans will want to see.

“Plus, on DAZN’s worldwide platform, our fights will be seen live for the first time to new audiences around the globe.”

DAZN’s deal with Bellator follows a similar partnership the streaming service inked last month with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing promotion worth a reported $1 billion over eight years.

That deal will see DAZN stream 32 boxing cards per year on its platform, and combined with the Bellator partnership, DAZN could soon become a viable new player in the combat sports space.

“From launch, you’re going to have access to a premium, prime boxing fight night or a premium, prime MMA fight every single week of the year,” DAZN CEO, James Rushton said.

“I think it’s fair to say, from launch, DAZN will be a must-have for combat fight fans, and we’re excited.

“We take on that challenge of disrupting a market, of disrupting an industry, of disrupting and helping grow a sport.”