In a move that underscores the rapidly shifting dynamics of global football media, DAZN has partnered with IMG to power its worldwide English-language broadcast of the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup USA 2025. This strategic alliance is not just about match coverage—it’s about global fan accessibility, broadcast innovation, and platform-scale storytelling.
From June 14 to July 13, the expanded 32-team tournament will unfold across 12 stadiums in the United States, featuring global giants like Real Madrid, Manchester City, PSG, Bayern Munich, Juventus, Chelsea, and more. And DAZN, in a bold statement of intent, is streaming all 63 matches for free—globally.
IMG Powers DAZN’s Global Broadcast Backbone
At the heart of this operation lies IMG’s virtual production studio and facilities in Stockley Park, UK. IMG will serve as the production engine for DAZN’s English-language content, providing:
- A centralized production hub
- End-to-end broadcast infrastructure
- Content delivery for over 1,000 hours of live and VOD programming
- Social-first storytelling and club-focused packages
DAZN’s daily post-game show ‘The Press’, plus pre- and post-match coverage, will all be produced live through IMG’s advanced broadcast ecosystem.
Global Distribution, Localized Experiences
This is more than traditional coverage. IMG will also oversee:
- DAZN’s global edit and graphics operations
- Delivery of press conferences, interviews, highlight reels, and bespoke features
- Distribution to sublicensing partners, publishing outlets, and clubs across DAZN’s global footprint
The ambition is clear: to connect global football with local fans, no matter the screen or language.
Sports Media, In-Flight
In parallel, IMG has secured rights to deliver live Club World Cup coverage to airlines and cruise ships via its Sport 24 channel—another example of extending football’s reach to fans on the move, a significant untapped segment of the global sports audience.
At 365247 Consultancy, we view the DAZN x IMG partnership as a blueprint for the future of event broadcasting. Here’s why it matters:
1. Free-to-Air Strategy = Fan Acquisition Engine
Offering all matches for free is not just generous—it’s strategic. In an age where attention is currency, this model prioritizes global user acquisition over immediate subscription gains. DAZN is playing the long game.
2. Centralized Production = Economies of Scale
By centralizing production through IMG’s world-class hub, DAZN ensures cost control, quality assurance, and creative agility—a model that can be replicated by other streaming services looking to scale efficiently.
3. Virtual Studios = Flexibility Without Borders
Virtual production allows DAZN to deliver real-time global content without physically being everywhere—a vital shift in an era where media must be omnichannel, always-on, and hyperlocalized.
4. Brand Integration & Data-Driven Monetization
With 1,000+ hours of content, the opportunities for branded segments, shoppable content, and sponsor activations are immense. IMG’s infrastructure allows for deep integration of commercial layers without interrupting the fan experience.
5. In-Transit Sports = Next Growth Frontier
With live matches streaming on planes and cruises, DAZN is tapping into a white-space market with massive commercial upside. Sports as part of the premium travel experience is a fast-growing vertical that brands should be watching.
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IMAGE: AFP
