Surj Sports Investment, the sports investment division of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), has revealed its intention to acquire a minority stake in DAZN, a worldwide sports entertainment platform. This partnership reflects a shared commitment to broaden access to top-tier sports content and to elevate the global sports environment.
Founded in 2023, Surj Sports Investment aims to foster international growth in sports while enhancing Saudi Arabia’s own sports ecosystem. Their investment approach is comprehensive, targeting not only direct sports ventures but also crucial sectors like broadcasting, digital services, grassroots initiatives, and fan engagement to promote participation and sustainable development.
As part of this partnership, DAZN will act as Surj’s official streaming and broadcasting ally, providing live and on-demand coverage of Saudi sports events to audiences worldwide. In over 200 markets, DAZN has transformed how sports are consumed, delivering an engaging experience that intertwines viewing, gaming, purchasing, and social interaction. This collaboration is expected to redefine how local fans connect with sports while yielding substantial economic and social advantages.
A major element of the agreement is the establishment of DAZN MENA, a joint venture designed to broaden broadcasting prospects within Saudi Arabia’s flourishing sports sector. This initiative will improve access to premium sports content throughout the Middle East and North Africa, further solidifying Saudi Arabia’s status as a pivotal player in the global sports investment.
Danny Townsend, CEO of Surj Sports Investment, remarked, “DAZN has positioned itself as the go-to global sports platform, and this presents an exciting opportunity to leverage DAZN’s recent accomplishments by delivering more sports to fans and audiences worldwide.
“Surj fully supports DAZN’s leadership, and our alliance will catalyze DAZN’s growth, meeting the rising demand for high-quality sports broadcasting.
“This investment will align with Surj’s mandate to boost fan engagement, promote sports participation, and uncover transformative opportunities, showcasing the region as a hub for elite sports.”
Shay Segev, CEO of DAZN, emphasized, “DAZN is the only truly global entertainment platform focused solely on sports, making us uniquely positioned to broaden access to sports content from Saudi Arabia’s expanding sports industry. Through the DAZN MENA joint venture with Surj, we are dedicated to maximizing sports reach and accessibility while ensuring the best entertainment experience for a passionate global fan community. This partnership marks a significant milestone for our organization, poised to revolutionize the sports entertainment landscape in Saudi Arabia and beyond.”
