DAZN’s Bold Move in Boxing
Exciting changes may be on the horizon for boxing enthusiasts as DAZN has made a recent announcement regarding the future of Pay Per View (PPV) in the sport. This claim echoes their 2018 declaration that ‘PPV is dead,’ a statement made three years prior to their introduction of a paid subscription service. At that time, fans faced significant yearly fees exceeding $200, on top of additional costs for special events.
Reevaluation of the PPV Model
Fast forward four years, and the disappointing revenue from PPVs featuring high-profile athletes like Canelo Alvarez and Ryan Garcia has prompted further reevaluation of the current model. With the support of Saudi investor Turki Alalshikh, DAZN has now signed a deal aimed at completely erasing PPV fees. Just hours before ticket sales for an anticipated Canelo vs Terence Crawford Netflix event set for September, Alalshikh expressed optimism for boxing fans, stating:
“We have a big vision to grow boxing and to decide: No More Pay-Per-View.”
Commitment to Improvement
Alalshikh emphasized that events under the Ring Magazine show and various upcoming Riyadh Season events will be complimentary for DAZN subscribers starting in November. He pointed out the detrimental effects of the PPV model on the sport and reassured fans of their commitment to improving the experience.
Concerns Over Subscription Prices
However, skepticism surrounds this announcement, as fans are wary of another future increase in subscription prices. Currently, DAZN plans range from $224.99 to $359.88 a year, depending on the subscription chosen, with possible price hikes looming in 2026 as the streaming service attempts to balance the financial impact of eliminating PPV.
While the absence of PPV fees for certain stellar events may initially be well received, many believe the price of the Annual Plan could jump to around $299.99 to compensate for lost revenue. The extent to which Alalshikh and his team allow for financial losses before aiming for profitability remains to be seen.
Comparative Pricing Strategies
Since its 2018 debut, DAZN’s subscription costs have skyrocketed, contrasting sharply with Netflix‘s more moderate increases—only $84 more for their standard annual package over the same period. This stark difference highlights DAZN’s aggressive pricing strategy as they strive to secure sport broadcasting rights.
Looking Ahead
As boxing fans await clarity on the ‘death of PPV’ promise, they are left questioning whether these changes will ultimately lead to a more affordable and sustainable subscription model, or if they will contend with rising costs again. Only time will reveal how much more they might need to spend.
