The future of in-flight entertainment is about to get a major upgrade. Sports streaming giant DAZN is preparing to launch a dedicated in-flight and in-ship service, dubbed DAZN Inflight, by 2027, bringing live sports directly to passengers at 30,000 feet. This move signals a significant shift in how travelers consume sports content and represents a new revenue stream for the rapidly expanding streaming platform.
DAZN, which launched in 2016, has quickly become a major player in the global sports streaming market, securing rights to a diverse portfolio including European soccer, combat sports and major US leagues. The company currently operates in over 200 terrestrial markets, and DAZN Inflight is intended to extend its reach even further, offering a unique viewing experience to a captive audience. “Just a few years ago, even the idea of watching a cup final live on a flight would have been unthinkable,” said Aviv Giladi, president of DAZN Partnerships. “Today, we are announcing the reality, and it is just months away. I am excited by our plan to bring the thrill and action of live sports to fans, wherever they are.”
The timing of this launch coincides with improvements in in-flight connectivity and a growing demand from airlines looking to enhance the passenger experience. For years, in-flight entertainment options have been limited, often relying on pre-loaded content or limited live television. However, advancements in satellite and air-to-ground internet technologies are making it increasingly feasible to stream high-quality live sports content reliably. This technological leap is opening the door for companies like DAZN to capitalize on a previously untapped market.
Challenging the Reign of Sport 24
DAZN isn’t entering this space unopposed. IMG’s Sport 24 has dominated the in-flight and in-ship broadcast market since its launch in 2012, boasting a robust portfolio of premium sports rights, including the FIFA World Cup, the Premier League, and Formula One. However, the competitive landscape is changing. According to SportBusiness, DAZN Inflight has emerged as the preferred bidder for in-flight and in-ship rights to UEFA’s club competitions – a significant blow to Sport 24, which currently holds those rights.
This potential acquisition of UEFA rights underscores DAZN’s aggressive strategy to quickly establish itself as a major player in the in-flight sports market. The UEFA Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League are among the most-watched soccer competitions globally, and securing these rights would provide DAZN Inflight with a compelling offering for soccer fans traveling the world. The move also follows a recent shift in the Olympic Games in-flight rights landscape.
UK-based Iris Sport Media recently secured the global and in-flight rights to the next four editions of the Olympic Games, rights previously held by Sport 24, as reported by Sportspro. This demonstrates a clear trend of increasing competition and a willingness to disrupt the established order within the in-flight entertainment sector.
DAZN’s Broader Strategic Shifts
The launch of DAZN Inflight isn’t the only significant development within the company. DAZN recently announced a leadership change, with Marc Watson, the company’s chief commercial officer, appointed as the new chief executive of Deltatre, a streaming technology provider. Andrea Marini will transition to the role of deputy chairman. This move suggests DAZN is further investing in the technology underpinning its streaming services, potentially to support the demands of a more expansive offering like DAZN Inflight.
Deltatre plays a crucial role in delivering live sports streams to millions of viewers worldwide, and having a dedicated leader focused on innovation in this area could be vital as DAZN expands into new markets, and platforms. The company’s commitment to technological advancement is evident in its pursuit of high-quality streaming experiences, even in challenging environments like airplanes and cruise ships.
While specific details regarding the content lineup for DAZN Inflight remain scarce, it’s reasonable to expect a mix of live events, highlights, and on-demand programming, mirroring the offerings available on its terrestrial platforms. The service will likely focus on sports with a broad international appeal, such as soccer, basketball, and major motorsports events. The ability to offer exclusive content and personalized viewing experiences could be key differentiators for DAZN Inflight in a competitive market.
As DAZN prepares for the 2027 launch of DAZN Inflight, the company will be focused on finalizing content deals and ensuring a seamless streaming experience for passengers. The next key milestone will likely be announcing specific airline partnerships and detailing the technical infrastructure required to deliver reliable, high-quality streams at altitude. The success of DAZN Inflight will depend on its ability to navigate the complexities of in-flight connectivity and deliver a compelling sports offering that caters to the needs of a global traveling audience.
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