DAZN, the online streaming OTT sports service provider, has secured a new three-year rights deal 2018-21 for Serie A.
In contrast with the exclusive rights obtained recently for Champions League and Europa League, where traditional TV networks such as TSN and Sportsnet were shut out, the DAZN rights for Serie A are limited to streaming online in English only.
Here is the official press release:
DAZN, the first global pure sport live and on demand streaming service has secured a new three-year rights deal (2018/19-2020/21) for Serie A TIM, Italy’s top soccer league. Beginning this month, all 380 Serie A matches will be shown on DAZN Canada’s growing platform.
The deal extends DAZN’s coverage of Serie A TIM in Canada where is was previously offered as part of a carriage agreement with beIN Sports. DAZN has also won exclusive rights to Serie A TIM in Germany and Austria, and co-exclusively in Japan. Earlier this summer, DAZN entered the Italian market with114 exclusive Serie A TIM matches and all Serie B matches.
“This deal extends our commitment to screening extensive coverage from Italy’s top football league around the globe,” said James Rushton, CEO at DAZN. With Ronaldo joining Juventus, we expect this to be a huge draw and benefit five of our markets, with DAZN Italy already confirmed to show 114 matches a season exclusively for three seasons. The investment is central to our fan-first philosophy and belief in offering an unrivalled multi-sport experience that is accessible, affordable and flexible.”
As part of DAZN’s #FanFirst motto, the news was shared with some of Canada’s most passionate Serie A TIM fans first. Here are some of their reactions:
“Having Serie A TIM back on DAZN is amazing news. Last season’s access to every Milan game allowed our community of fans to come together weekly and grow lifelong friendships around the game and team we love.” – Maurizio Iacobucci, President/Co-Founder, Milan Club Toronto
“As a supporters club, SS Lazio Toronto has been using DAZN’s service over the last year. It allows us as a group to see every single SS Lazio match with the addition now of UEFA Europa League matches. Without it, we would still be at the mercy of low definition outlets and expensive cable providers who only show a handful of Serie A games when convenient.” – Michael Di Mascio, SS Lazio Toronto
“We are thrilled that DAZN will broadcast all Serie A TIM games, live and on-demand, for the next three seasons. Including Champions League and Europa League, DAZN gives us peace of mind that we can watch all of Milan’s games for the next three seasons without being at the mercy of traditional TV. This helps us with our viewing parties where the rossoneri faithful gather to cheer our beloved AC Milan.” – Marcello Furgiuele, President, Milan Club Montreal
“This deal puts DAZN as the service of choice for Italian soccer lovers in Canada. One service, Canada-wide that covers our beloved colours from coast-to-coast. Whether you’re a Juventus fan like me looking to watch their Champions League match or a Frosinone fan dying to watch their clash against regional rivals Lazio, DAZN has got you covered with glorious HD quality at an affordable price. As an advocate of the Italian soccer movement in North America, I’m overjoyed that DAZN will continue to cover Serie A!” – Rocco Fasano, from “Serie A Game of the Week” and Social Media Manager, Juventus Official Fan Club of Toronto
“DAZN has presented Serie A TIM in a whole new light, offering long-time fans a way to finally watch whichever matches they want, when they want. Whether it’s the Derby d’Italia or Sassuolo at Chievo, the viewer has the ultimate choice.” – Anthony Lopopolo, Stereo Serie A co-host
The new agreement bolsters DAZN’s premium and extensive multi-sport offering which gives fans the power to choose between simultaneous live matches and select the teams and players they want to watch.
The 2018/2019 Serie A TIM season kicks off with a match between 13-time Coppa Italia winning team Juventus and AC Chievo on August 18th. This historical match features the very first Serie A TIM regular season match played by the five-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Rinaldo who joined Juventus earlier this summer.
DAZN is available on most connected devices in Canada, including smart TVs, PCs, mobile phones, tablets and games consoles. Access to the entire DAZN platform remains $20 per month or $150 per year with the first month free for new subscribers.
