Tag: sports rights

Streaming overtook linear TV in May 2025 for the first time, reaching 44.8% of all U.S. TV usage according to Nielsen. Cable and broadcast fell to a combined 44.2%, marking a major industry milestone. FAST platforms gained ground while services…

DAZN is leveraging the launch of the new FIFA Club World Cup, which starts June 14 in the US, as its most ambitious push yet into the American market. The global sports streamer, holding exclusive rights to the tournament, will…

Apple is in advanced talks to acquire parts of ESPN’s soon-to-expire MLB rights package, with a focus on Sunday Night Baseball. NBC is also interested, but Apple is reportedly targeting a broader set of games. MLB is exploring a split-rights…

NBCUniversal has submitted a bid to acquire Major League Baseball broadcast rights previously held by ESPN, covering both regular-season and postseason games. The offer is reportedly at a lower rate than ESPN's $550 million annual deal, which ends after the…

ESPN is launching a new direct-to-consumer streaming platform that fully integrates its live channels, on-demand content, editorial, fantasy tools, betting features, and e-commerce into one unified product. Backed by new contractual flexibility following its deal with Charter, Disney is positioning…

News Corp has completed the $2.1 billion sale of Foxtel to DAZN Group, receiving a 6% stake in the sports streamer and repayment of shareholder loans. Foxtel will retain its brand identity under DAZN, as the new parent aims to…

ESPN is in talks to acquire NFL Media in a deal potentially worth $2 billion, aiming to fold key assets like RedZone, NFL Draft coverage, and original programming into its upcoming DTC brand. This move mirrors ESPN’s historic 1987 NFL…

Parks Associates' latest study confirms live sports as a key driver for streaming growth, with 33% of U.S. internet households subscribing to D2C sports services. Kirby explores how Disney+ and Netflix are expanding into live sports, while FAST platforms like…

ESPN+’s streaming failure during UFC 313 couldn’t have come at a worse time, with UFC’s exclusive negotiating window set to expire on April 15. The glitch-filled pay-per-view frustrated fans who paid $79.99, and UFC President Dana White didn’t hold back…

Netflix is boosting its content budget to $18 billion in 2025, an 11% jump from last year. The streamer is doubling down on major franchises like Squid Game and Stranger Things, stacking up licensed hits like Grey’s Anatomy, and expanding…