Streaming company DAZN has announced a deal to acquire Ata Football, a platform that specializes in women’s football content.
The acquisition will further consolidate DAZN’s portfolio in women’s football, adding to its extensive rights portfolio, which already includes global rights to the UEFA Women’s Champions League (UWCL) and both domestic and international rights to the German football Bundesliga.
Backed by Miami-based sports investment firm 777 Partners, Ata Football streams live women’s football matches from Europe’s top leagues through its own OTT streaming platform.
Ata Football also acts as a rights broker for several European women’s football leagues, sub-licensing to major broadcasters including CBS Sports. American pay television channel CBS Sports Network aired at least 15 matches from Women’s Division 1, Women’s Serie A and Women’s Bundesliga in the 2022/23 season following an agreement with Ata Football.
Financial details of the deal have not been announced, but according to Sky News, the amount paid by DAZN to Ata Football is considered negligible. DAZN confirmed its intention to use Ata Football to develop women’s sports within its structure. Ata Football co-founders Esmeralda Negron and Hannah Brown will also join DAZN as part of the deal.
Shay Segev, DAZN Group chief executive, said: «DAZN and Ata football share the same view when it comes to women’s football, the strength of the game lies in its participants, fans and distinct appeal.
«Over the last year, the company has expanded its coverage of women’s soccer through bespoke free ad-supported streaming TV (FAST) channels in major European markets, as well as offering a women’s soccer-specific subscription tier in Spain. By integrating Ata Football into its business, it can now offer coverage of leagues such as Division 1 Féminine across more territories than before.
«While on the rise, investment in women’s soccer has the potential to escalate further. DAZN’s acquisition of Ata Football now may allow the company to position itself at the forefront of the women’s game as it continues its upward trajectory.»
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