DAZN expands into ad-supported space via Samsung TV+ FAST partnership

Ad-supported streaming service Samsung TV Plus has struck an agreement with sports streamer DAZN which will see the launch of a new DAZN FAST+ channel on its platform in Germany. According to the partners, live sporting events will be exclusively available, including games from top European soccer leagues.

The new channel is DAZN’s second FAST launch in Germany this month, but this channel looks set to offer a more premium content line-up – with franchises that typically sit behind a paywall. For example, games from Spanish La Liga, Italian Serie A and French Ligue 1 will all be available via the fast-growing Samsung offering. The first two live football broadcasts will be Paris Saint Germain’s clash against Strasbourg on December 28th and Valladolid vs Real Madrid on December 30th.

Richard Jakeman

Richard Jakeman, European head of business development: Smart TV, Mobile & Gaming, said: “This is an exciting new development in our ongoing relationship with DAZN. It completely shakes up the sports streaming market in Europe. Thanks to the cooperation, we are providing innovative and groundbreaking ways for fans to experience premium sports content – such as free live football games for Samsung TV Plus users in Germany. This reflects our commitment to redefining the FAST landscape in Europe. Samsung and DAZN share a vision of finding new ways to offer viewers the best sports content in a way that works for them.”

Alice Mascia, CEO of DAZN in the DACH region, said: “Samsung TV Plus is a popular and growing platform and thanks to our cooperation, even more fans can now enjoy sports from the strong DAZN programme catalogue. Our collaboration with Samsung once again demonstrates our role as an innovator in the sports industry.”

DAZN controls a wide range of soccer rights in the DACH region, but until now has primarily been viewed as a subscription-based service. This suggests it is placing more emphasis on a hybrid model. At the same time, it’s a strong indicator of the growing muscle of smart TV manufacturers and the FAST ecosystem.