DAZN Considers IPO Amidst Ongoing belgian Broadcast Disputes
Brussels, Belgium – Streaming service DAZN, currently embroiled in a dispute wiht the Belgian Pro League (Jupiler Pro League) over broadcast rights payments, announced it is indeed exploring a potential initial public offering (IPO). The surprising move comes despite recent challenges in Belgium and past contract disagreements with other European football leagues.
DAZN secured the rights to broadcast the Jupiler Pro League but initially failed to reach an agreement with telecom operators to offer television broadcasts, limiting access to the DAZN website and app for the first ten matchdays of the season. This week, the company further elaborate matters by informing the Pro League it could not meet the terms of its current television contract. These issues follow a previous dispute with France’s ligue 1 in early 2025, where DAZN refused to pay the full amount owed for broadcasting rights.
Despite these setbacks, DAZN CEO Shay Segev told the Financial Times the company is projected to achieve profitability for the first time next year. an IPO would allow DAZN to capitalize on this anticipated financial turnaround and raise additional capital. Currently, DAZN is primarily owned by British billionaire Len Blavatnik, with Saudi Arabia holding a minority stake.
The potential IPO represents a meaningful shift for the streaming service, which has aggressively pursued sports broadcasting rights globally, often disrupting customary media landscapes. DAZN’s business model relies on securing exclusive content and attracting subscribers, but recent difficulties highlight the challenges of balancing enterprising expansion with financial sustainability.
