Leonard Blavatnik Increases DAZN Investment to USD7 Billion

Sir Leonard Blavatnik has reinforced his long-term backing of global sports streaming platform DAZN, investing an additional USD587 million (AUD910 million) through his firm Access Industries, bringing his total commitment to more than USD7 billion (AUD10.9 billion) since 2015.

The new capital injection signals continued investor confidence in DAZN’s path toward profitability, as the London-based company narrows losses and strengthens its global media footprint.

According to financial filings, DAZN cut its 2024 losses to USD936 million, down from USD1.4 billion the year prior, while revenues grew to USD3.2 billion, supported by an expanded rights portfolio across football, combat sports, and emerging markets.

Sharing how the business expects to turn profitable in 2025, with several regional markets already operating in surplus, Chief Executive Officer, Shay Segev, said: “We’re aiming for at least US$5 billion in revenues this year.”

“Margins are improving, and by 2026 we are confident the group will be sustainably profitable,” Segev said.

With an ambition to reach one billion active users, DAZN is positioning itself as a digital sports ecosystem, integrating live streaming, interactive engagement, and betting services.

“We are now at the tipping point, we’ve built the world’s largest football platform — and we’re just getting started,” Segev noted.

DAZN Shift’s in the Economics of Sports Streaming

After years of heavy losses tied to content acquisition and platform expansion, the company is now focusing on operational efficiency, direct-to-consumer monetisation, and integrated services such as betting and e-commerce.

In parallel, DAZN is exploring new funding avenues — including private investment or a potential IPO — to accelerate international growth and reduce reliance on Access Industries. The 2025 financial year is notable as the first in which the company has not required additional interim funding from its parent.

The platform also continues to draw sovereign investment, with a USD1 billion injection from Surj, a sports vehicle owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), earmarked for working capital and new initiatives.

On the acquisition front, DAZN has expanded its infrastructure and rights portfolio through a controlling stake in Australian pay-TV group Foxtel (valued at USD2.2 billion) and a USD1 billion partnership with FIFA for exclusive U.S. rights to the FIFA Club World Cup — which will also be streamed globally for free to build brand equity.

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