Saudi Arabia’s SURJ Sports Investment Acquires Minority Stake in DAZN in Strategic Media Move
Saudi Arabia’s SURJ Sports Investment has acquired a minority stake in the global sports streaming service DAZN, signaling a significant expansion of the Kingdom’s presence in the international sports media market.
The investment is set to bolster DAZN’s ambitions to innovate and extend its reach as one of the leading digital sports entertainment platforms. According to Daoud Zaatar, CEO of SURJ Sports Investment, the agreement reflects Saudi Arabia’s growing commitment to the development and modernization of the global sports and entertainment sector.
While the specific financial details of the transaction were not disclosed, the partnership unites two key players intent on shaping the future of digital sports broadcasting. The collaboration aims to leverage SURJ’s robust investment portfolio and DAZN’s expertise in delivering live and on-demand sports content to subscribers in more than 200 markets worldwide.
SURJ’s investment forms a crucial part of Saudi Vision 2030, the government-led strategy designed to diversify the Kingdom’s economy and elevate its global profile in sectors beyond oil, including sports, entertainment, and technology.
DAZN Chairman Kevin Mayer welcomed the investment, calling it “an exciting new chapter” for DAZN. He added: “By bringing together DAZN’s platform and international reach with SURJ’s resources, we will accelerate innovation for fans and partners across the globe.”
Industry analysts say the move underscores Saudi Arabia’s ambitions to become a global leader in sports investment, following a string of high-profile acquisitions and partnerships over the past few years. The SURJ Sports Investment deal signals greater integration between sports streaming services and state-led investors in the Middle East, reshaping the landscape of global sporting events and their broadcast.
The partnership is expected to bring new content to audiences in the region, as well as enhance DAZN’s ability to secure new broadcasting rights and elevate viewer engagement through technology.
Team V.DIR-LNK-FRM-UAE
