2016/07/22 22:00
J.League, DAZN Sign 10-Year Broadcasting Rights Deal
Sports live streaming service DAZN to broadcast all MEIJI YASUDA J.League (J1, J2, and J3) matches live beginning in 2017
The J.League and DAZN, the live sports streaming service owned and operated by Perform Group, have signed a 10-year, 210 billion yen (approx. US$2 billion) broadcasting rights agreement scheduled to take effect in 2017. The agreement includes Paid Satellite Broadcast, CATV broadcast, Internet & Mobile Distribution, and IPTV Service within Japan.
Through this agreement, all matches in the MEIJI YASUDA J1 League, MEIJI YASUDA J2 League, and MEIJI YASUDA J3 League will be broadcast live via DAZN from the 2017 season. DAZN is a revolutionary sports live streaming service, which delivers high-quality video content live & on demand on multi-device, such as Smart TV, PC, smartphone devices, tablets, and video game consoles. DAZN is operated by Perform Group, the world’s leading digital sports content and media company.
By leveraging Perform Group’s extensive experience in sports content production as well as their cutting-edge digital technology, the J.League will work to produce high-quality and exciting match broadcasts.
Additionally, the J.League, DAZN, and NTT Group will collaborate to promote the expansion of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) offerings at J1 League home grounds, including the establishment of publicly-available Wi-Fi and data provision services. Through quality improvement and the creation of more ways to enjoy the match day experience, the J.League will work to create even more ways for fans to enjoy their time at the stadium.
Details regarding DAZN, including prices and subscription methods, will be announced later in Summer 2016.
■2017-2026 Broadcast Rights Agreement Summary
| Parties to the Contract | Japan Professional Football League (J.League), Perform Investment Japan KK |
| Contract Period | From the 2017 through 2026 seasons (10 years) |
| Applicable Content | All matches from the following competitions:・MEIJI YASUDA J1 League/J2 League/J3 League・MEIJI YASUDA J.League Championship・J1 Promotional Playoff・J2/J3 Promotion-Relegation Playoff |
| Included Rights | Paid Satellite Broadcast, CATV broadcast, Internet & Mobile Distribution, and IPTV Service within Japan. |
●JAPAN PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE (J.League) Chairman Mitsuru Murai
The agreement with Perform Group is the first long-term, large-scale agreement for broadcasting rights in the history of Japanese sport. and I see it as proof that the Japanese sports industry’s content is being regarded as an attractive international investment.
It is also the first case of an agreement with a vendor whose main business is the Internet and mobile, an area that is rapidly evolving. J.League will use this foundation of this dramatic partnership to advance new and strategic investments, to improve the football environment, provide engaging stories, and to strengthen our industrial base.
●Perform Investment Japan CEO James Rushton
We are incredibly happy to be able to offer a long-term service to the J.League, its players, and its fans. DAZN will be an unprecedented live streaming service specializing in sports. Using leading-edge digital technology of the Perform Group, one of the largest digital sports contents/media companies in the world, the service offers opportunities to enjoy viewing an overwhelming number of sports that can be viewed in all kinds of scenarios.
― Notes to Editors ―
Perform Group is majority owned by Access Industries, Inc., a privately-held US industrial group with global strategic investments in four key sectors: natural resources and chemicals; media and telecommunications; technology and e-commerce; and real estate. Access Industries Inc. was founded in 1986 by Len Blavatnik, a major American industrialist and philanthropist. For more information, visit www.accessindustries.com
