Sports OTT streaming platform DAZN has announced its launch in France after agreeing to broadcast live Ligue 1 matches through a deal with Canal+.
The move into France expands DAZN’s already impressive football offering, showcasing games in Spain’s La Liga, Italy’s Serie A, the UEFA Nations League and a new deal that will see the platform broadcast Saudi Pro League fixtures.
France becomes the streaming platform’s seventh key European market it has entered and its 11th globally, seeking to garner more viewers to the 60 million it has already acquired.
DAZN’s French subscribers will be able to access content in the form of Ligue 1 football, broadcasting the top two matches per week throughout the season on Canal+ Ligue 1, without having to subscribe to any other service.
Customers will also be able to access DAZN via app purchases on mobiles, Smart TVs and other devices. The DAZN app will be available within the myCanal service over time, and DAZN will be announcing other local distribution deals in ‘due course’.
DAZN Group CEO, Shay Segev, said: “DAZN is incredibly excited to launch in France, especially being able to bring Ligue 1 matches via Canal+ Ligue 1 directly to our customers.
“The French market is one we have been looking at for a while as we believe there is huge potential for DAZN’s content, products and services in such a well-developed media and digital economy.
“As well as delivering DAZN’s top-quality content, including the top two Ligue 1 matches every week, through our localised app, we will offer a linear channel, DAZN 1, as part of our deal with Canal+.
“This is the beginning of a long-term relationship with French sports fans, as we look to build the ultimate sports entertainment platform, and secure more distribution deals.”
DAZN 1, which will be bundled with Canal+, will provide access to content such as UEFA Women’s Champions League, the Belgian Juliper Pro League, and some of the key boxing and combat matchups.
Canal+ will also deliver a significant marketing partnership to drive awareness of DAZN, its content, products and services.
