The Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF), through its sports entity SURJ Sports Investment, has acquired a minority stake in DAZN, the primary broadcaster of Ligue 1.
This move sees Saudi Arabia challenging Qatar’s influence in French football, not through club ownership, but by becoming a shareholder in DAZN. The announcement was made by Shay Segev, CEO of DAZN, on LinkedIn.
While initial reports suggested a 50% acquisition, the exact shareholding remains undisclosed. However, multiple sources estimate that PIF has invested around $1 billion for a 10% stake. DAZN retains control of its ownership but remains open to future developments.
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A Strategic Move in Sports Broadcasting
DAZN also holds exclusive global broadcasting rights for the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup, set to take place from June 15 to July 13 in the United States, in a deal valued at approximately $1 billion.
