DAZN unveils expansive partnership with global MMA league PFL

Streaming platform DAZN has unveiled a new JV with MMA franchise, the Professional Fighters League. Under the agreement, they are creating PFL Europe which will be the first regional league from a global provider of MMA when it launches in 2023. The deal also includes a multiyear media rights agreement to bring all PFL global events exclusively to DAZN in 53 markets, including the UK, Ireland and Spain.

As a further dimension of the deal, DAZN also becomes a partner in the new PFL PPV Super Fight Division and will promote and distribute these events outside of US and Canada. “PFL Europe is the beginning of the Champions League of MMA from PFL,” said Peter Murray, CEO of PFL. “We are excited to have DAZN as our strategic media rights distribution partner in Europe for all of fight franchises – PFL Global League, PFL Challenger Series, PFL Europe, and PFL PPV Super Fight Division.”

Shay Segev, DAZN Group CEO, added: “DAZN is fast becoming the preferred partner for rights holders for the simple reason that we can provide a truly global solution, access to fanbases across the world. We have a strong track record investing in and accelerating the growth of sports. We are also more agile and innovative than traditional broadcasters and want to stay relevant to today’s consumer. With DAZN, fans can either watch in the traditional linear way or enjoy a more immersive and interactive experience with greater gamification and bolt-on products and services.”

PFL is an MMA league with a sports-season format where elite fighters from around the world compete in a Regular Season, Playoffs and Championship. The four competitors in each division who earn the most points in the Regular Season advance to the win-or-go-home Playoffs, followed by the PFL World Championship.