DAZN has partnered with the Professional Fighters League (PFL) to broadcast four PFL Europe events this year.
Following the successful launch of DAZN Bet in 2022 and declaring 2023 a transformational year, the London-based OTT sports media platform has become the official “home of PFL in France”, bringing the promotion’s MMA fights to French audiences.
In March 2023, PFL signed with DAZN Bet as a commercial partner, becoming the league’s online bookmaker for the remainder of the year. The European division’s debut week in Newcastle strengthened this partnership. For DAZN, the new agreement expands its presence in French sports broadcasting, while PFL seeks to strengthen its presence in Europe.
DAZN made a successful debut in France last year thanks to a partnership with Canal+, one of the country’s leading channels. The agreement included streaming rights to Ligue 1 football’s top division.
Pete Oliver, CEO DAZN Growth Markets, noted: “Since DAZN secured the top two Ligue 1 Uber Eats weekly picks through our partnership with Canal+ in August 2023, we have been looking at opportunities to build a strong portfolio of live sports for the French market. MMA is hugely popular in France, and the upcoming PFL schedule of events is unparalleled. And so, we are delighted to extend our relationship with PFL and deliver an action-packed program for French fans, and those around the world.”
DAZN has built a reputation in Europe, particularly in the UK and Ireland, as a leading destination for combat sports fans, known for broadcasting boxing and gradually expanding its influence in MMA.
In these and other markets, the company is also expanding into new sports such as Formula 1 and football, demonstrating its commitment to diversifying its content. Towards the end of 2023, reports emerged that the company was considering possible investments to support future growth.
The PFL has been strategically expanding, including last year’s acquisition of Bellator, an MMA promotion long considered second-largest behind the UFC.
The European season begins in Paris on March 7, before the tournament moves to Newcastle on June 8 and Glasgow on September 28. The location of the final remains unknown at this time.
Dan Hardy, Head of Fighter Operations for PFL Europe, concluded: “We’re incredibly excited to bring the biggest French MMA Superstar, to the biggest Arena in Paris, in front of the crowd that was voted the best MMA crowd in the world in 2023. Cedric Doumbe’s presence at the top of the card will cap off what is set to be a huge night of showcase fights featuring local French and European talent, as well as the kick off of another exciting season of the PFL Europe League format.”
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