DAZN, the global sports streaming outlet backed by billionaire Len Blavatnik, is planning to launch live streaming access for viewers traveling on airplanes and boats.
The expansion, planned for 2027, is being called DAZN Inflight. It would address a pain point for sports fans when they are traveling at the same time that a big game is being played. In the current marketplace, a select number of streaming services are available in flight and on the water, but they generally serve up on-demand fare under specific licensing deals between streamers and airlines or cruise ship operators. Many commercial airlines offer live TV service via DirecTV or other satellite providers, which helps give sports fans their fix when they are in the air.
A press release announcing the move was light on details and didn’t allude specifically to commercial airlines or cruise ships. It said Aviv Giladi, president of DAZN Partnerships, will lead the initiative.
Among the many questions facing the company will be how it will secure rights. DAZN is characterizing the air and sea markets as being “beyond” the 200 terrestrial markets where its service is currently available. Advancements in technology and high-speed internet access would enable live sports to reach “audiences that were previously inaccessible.” DAZN said it is positioned to deliver the programming because of its “built-for-sport global technology platform, combined with its deep relationships with rights holders, competitions, and partners across the world.”
DAZN has different rights to different sports across the world, with boxing and soccer core offerings along with a mix of the NFL, Major League Baseball and NBA in select markets.
“Technology is unlocking unprecedented opportunities to revolutionize how fans experience the sports they love,” DAZN Group CEO Shay Segev said in a statement. DAZN is at the forefront of this transformation, working with partners across the sports ecosystem to build the future of sport entertainment. DAZN Inflight is an exciting proposition that will be designed to make live games truly unmissable, and we can’t wait to bring it to the skies and the seas.”
Giladi added that the notion of watching a live sporting event via streaming was once “unthinkable,” but now will be a “reality” in the next few months.