Saudi Arabia has strengthened its position in global sports media through a significant investment in streaming platform DAZN. After recent speculation , SURJ Sports Investment, a division of the Public Investment Fund (PIF), has finalised a minority stake acquisition valued at approximately $1 billion, creating a partnership that will reshape sports broadcasting across the Middle East and North Africa.
The deal has led to the formation of DAZN MENA, a new regional venture focused on digital sports content delivery. This development supports Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 strategy, which aims to diversify the Kingdom's economy through investments in global sports and entertainment.
The timing of this investment coincides with DAZN's broader expansion efforts, including their recent $3.4 billion acquisition of Australia's Foxtel Group. This move secured DAZN an $800 million annual sports rights portfolio featuring domestic cricket, AFL, and Formula 1 coverage.
DAZN CEO Shay Segev emphasized the strategic importance of the Saudi partnership. "SURJ Sports Investment is an ideal partner as we continue to drive the digital transformation of sports broadcasting," Segev said. Danny Townsend, CEO of SURJ Sports Investment, added that the partnership aims to enhance regional sports viewing while promoting Saudi sports globally.
The new DAZN MENA platform will combine DAZN's technology with SURJ Sports Investment's regional expertise. This collaboration targets the growing MENA sports market, where digital adoption and demand for sports content continue to rise. DAZN's evolving business model, which includes advertising support and digital sponsorships, is expected to play a key role in the regional expansion.
This investment adds to Saudi Arabia's expanding sports portfolio. Through PIF, the Kingdom has made significant investments across multiple sports sectors, including the acquisition of Newcastle United, the development of the Saudi Pro League, the creation of LIV Golf (now merged with the PGA Tour and DP World Tour), and the hosting of major motorsport events like Formula 1, Formula E, and the Dakar Rally.
The MENA sports market has shown substantial growth in recent years, driven by increasing digital adoption and rising consumer demand. The partnership between DAZN and SURJ Sports Investment positions Saudi Arabia as a key player in shaping the future of sports broadcasting while creating new opportunities for digital sports content delivery.
For DAZN, this partnership provides additional resources to accelerate growth in the MENA region. The platform plans to introduce new features and content offerings specifically tailored to Middle Eastern audiences, while maintaining its commitment to high-quality sports coverage.
The collaboration represents a significant step in Saudi Arabia's strategy to become a global sports hub. By combining DAZN's international experience with local market knowledge, the partnership aims to deliver an enhanced sports viewing experience for fans across the region while strengthening Saudi Arabia's position in the global sports media landscape.
This strategic investment not only expands DAZN's global footprint but also reinforces Saudi Arabia's growing influence in international sports. As the platform continues to evolve, this partnership is expected to play a crucial role in transforming how sports content is delivered and consumed across the Middle East and North Africa.