Streaming platform DAZN is preparing to launch its OTT service in Brazil and Latin America in the coming weeks and is close to securing rights to Italy’s Serie A and France’s Ligue 1 in both regions, multiple well-placed sources told SportBusiness Media.
DAZN is also looking to acquire rights to the Copa Sudamericana, the rights to which were sent back to Conmebol by FC Diez Media – the joint venture between the IMG agency and the DAZN Group – after two separate tenders and private negotiations did not produce a satisfactory result.
Under the conditions of its original deal for Copa Libertadores and Copa Sudamericana rights, FC Diez Media was not allowed to exploit rights itself. By sending Sudamericana rights back to Conmebol, this condition is no longer in effect.
DAZN’s entry will also make life easier for IMG and beIN Media Group, which hold international media rights to Serie A and Ligue 1 respectively. Both companies had thus far failed to sell these rights in Brazil or Latin America.
DAZN’s push into the region follows Facebook’s acquisition of Copa Libertadores and Uefa Champions League rights in Brazil and Latin America. Both companies have taken advantage of broadcasters’ inactivity in the region – pay-television broadcasters Fox, ESPN, Turner and DirecTV in South America are all involved in mergers or acquisitions, limiting their ability to acquire rights.