In a move that looks set to greatly strengthen its position within the U.S. sports streaming sector, DAZN has confirmed it is acquiring ViewLift, a leader in local sports streaming.
What You Need to Know
- DAZN is acquiring ViewLift in a bid to significantly expand its U.S. sports streaming presence.
- ViewLift’s portfolio includes direct‑to‑consumer services for many major U.S. professional teams.
- Following completion of the deal, ViewLift will continue operating as its own business unit under DAZN.
While some consumers may not be aware of who ViewLift is, the company has made its presence felt over the past couple of years through agreements that have helped launch various team and league direct-to-consumer services.
For example, ViewLift’s previous agreements helped launch direct-to-consumer services for the Florida Panthers, Tampa Bay Lightning, Vegas Golden Knights, and Washington Capitals.
It is not just teams and leagues, as ViewLift has also partnered with other entities within the industry, including sports pay-TV channels. In 2024, for example, ViewLift and Caliente TV partnered to launch a direct-to-consumer streaming service in Mexico.
To date, ViewLift’s sports clients has grown to include 15 major US pro sports teams, five Regional Sports Networks, and global sports properties.
With DAZN having now confirmed it is in the process of acquiring ViewLift, DAZN is also now in the process of adding all of those sports-related developments to its portfolio, greatly expanding its sports footprint in the United States.
“This announcement is an exciting step forward in DAZN’s US expansion plans,” said Shay Segev, DAZN Group CEO. “We look forward to completing the acquisition and bringing the entire team and their clients into the DAZN family. Together, we can play a pivotal role in the US sports market, supporting a growing roster of teams, leagues, and competitions with world-class technologies and experiences for their fans.”
According to the two companies, their respective businesses are highly complementary, and the acquisition is being advertised as beneficial to fans, leagues, and clients.
“We are delighted to have reached this agreement with DAZN. Sports fans around the world recognize DAZN as the global home of sport. Upon joining DAZN, we’ll bring our current clients in sports, entertainment, and news even deeper solutions to meet their evolving needs. For major US pro sports teams, the combination will offer uniquely powerful future-proofing in a disrupted market. And for up-and-coming leagues and teams, we’ll provide a full suite of digital solutions with high-quality, cost-effective technology,” said Rick Allen, ViewLift CEO.
According to DAZN, ViewLift’s business will operate as a business unit within DAZN following completion of the acquisition, and will continue to be serviced by the same team, and led by the same executive leadership.
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