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Channel 5 to Broadcast FIFA Club World Cup
The FIFA Club World Cup will be broadcast live on Channel 5 this summer after the free-to-air broadcaster reached a sublicensing agreement for the UK with Dazn, the global rights holder. This deal ensures broader access to the tournament for UK viewers.
Cross-Promotional Deal Details
As part of a promotional arrangement finalized this week, Channel 5 will showcase 23 of the 63 matches, including:
- 15 group stage matches
- Four round-of-16 matches
- Two quarter-final matches
- One semi-final match
- The final
The remaining 40 matches will be available exclusively on Dazn, which has pledged to provide every match in the recently expanded tournament free-to-air globally through its platform.
Channel 5’s Growing Sports Portfolio
The Club World Cup, with participation from teams such as Chelsea and Manchester City, will be the most significant sports event covered by Channel 5. The network has a history of broadcasting Europa League matches and various sports highlight packages. In a bid to broaden its sports programming, Channel 5 is also in discussions with the England and Wales Cricket Board to acquire rights for selected menās and womenās England T20 matches this summer. The channel is owned by Paramount, the American entertainment conglomerate.
DAZN’s Financial Backing and Rights Acquisition
Dazn invested $1 billion (Ā£787 million) in February for the worldwide broadcasting rights to the FIFA Club World Cup. This substantial investment appears to be primarily financed by Saudi Arabiaās Public Investment Fund. Surj Sports Investment group, based in Saudi Arabia, revealed last month that it had secured a minority stake in the streaming company, valuing it at $1 billion. Following this deal, FIFA announced a corresponding prize and appearance fund of $1 billion, with the tournament champion potentially receiving up to $125.8 million based on performance, and Chelsea and Man City each standing to gain $38.19 million for qualifying.
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Background on FIFA Rights Negotiations
The DAZN/Surj accord came after a prolonged process of selling TV rights where FIFA had difficulties in securing partners. Apple TV reportedly exited advanced discussions regarding a global agreement last summer due to disagreements over valuation, with FIFA purportedly requesting $4 billion. Subsequent efforts to sell the rights regionally were also unsuccessful.
DAZN’s Market Position and Sublicensing
Despite boasting 300 million monthly users worldwide in its latest financial reports, Dazn remains a relatively new player in certain markets, notably the UK. This situation led to the sublicensing agreement to guarantee higher viewership for the FIFA Club World Cup and its sponsors. Warner Bros. holds a parallel sublicensing agreement in the United States.
Channel 5 Secures Deal, BBC and ITV Focus on Women’s Euros
Earlier this month, it was reported that BBC and ITV opted out of bidding for the rights, concentrating instead on their joint coverage of England’s title defense at the Womenās European Championship. Channel 5 outmaneuvered Channel 4 to secure the agreement with Dazn. The deal was facilitated by Lee Sears, President of International Ad Sales at Paramount.
Statements on the Partnership
“Weāre delighted to have forged this amazing partnership with Dazn to amplify free-to-air coverage of the FIFA Club World Cup, live on 5,” Sears stated. “This event will undoubtedly be one of the summerās premier sporting highlights, featuring matches during prime evening viewing times and involving 32 of the worldās most prominent clubs.” Sears expressed aspirations to further expand sports offerings for viewers and advertisers in the months ahead.
Channel 5’s Broadcast Approach
Channel 5 will utilize Daznās coverage, promoting Daznās brand in the process. Participants in the competition, which will be held from June 14 to July 13, include Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich, and Inter Miami starring Lionel Messi.