DAZN's free broadcasting strategy could significantly increase global viewership and engagement with the Club World Cup, potentially setting a precedent for future sporting events.
The financial backing and influence of Saudi Arabia in sports broadcasting may reshape the landscape of sports media rights, as seen in this deal with DAZN.
The shift of the Club World Cup to a summer schedule aligns with FIFA's efforts to enhance the tournament's profile and accessibility, despite pushback from players and unions.
The successful implementation of free broadcasting could lead to similar agreements for other major sporting events, enhancing accessibility for fans worldwide.
Increased viewership may encourage FIFA to further expand the Club World Cup format or introduce additional tournaments, potentially altering the global football calendar.
Ongoing player protests regarding match congestion may lead to negotiations for a more balanced schedule in the future.
The 2025 Club World Cup will be broadcasted exclusively and free of charge by DAZN, allowing fans worldwide to watch all 63 matches live. The tournament is set to take place from June 15 to July 13, 2025, across 12 venues in the United States, culminating in the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. FIFA President Gianni Infantino expressed excitement about this historic agreement, emphasizing its goal to make the tournament the most accessible in history, thus uniting football fans globally.
DAZN's acquisition of the broadcasting rights is part of a broader partnership with FIFA, which includes the integration of FIFA+ into DAZN's platform, providing access to iconic football moments and full replays of FIFA matches. The deal is reportedly valued at around one billion euros, surpassing competing offers, including one from Apple. This partnership marks a significant milestone for DAZN as it aims to become the leading entertainment platform for sports fans.
The new format of the Club World Cup, which will occur every four years during the summer, has faced criticism from players and unions regarding the congested match calendar. However, supporters argue that it replaces an existing tournament and does not significantly increase the players' workload. Notable players have expressed concerns about the growing number of matches, leading to discussions about potential protests.
