Who Owns DAZN
DAZN is a global sports streaming platform controlled by Access Industries, the investment firm founded by Len Blavatnik. The platform operates as a standalone sports media business under the broader Access Industries portfolio, which spans technology, media, and real estate. Access Industries acquired a controlling stake in DAZN in the years following its launch, positioning the service as a premium over-the-top boxing and combat sports broadcaster. DAZN's ownership structure remains tied to Access Industries' long-term strategy in digital sports content, with the company retaining majority control over editorial, commercial, and distribution decisions.
The company behind DAZN is registered in the British Virgin Islands and operates through a network of holding entities across Europe and Asia. Access Industries uses DAZN as a key vehicle in its sports media investments, alongside other strategic acquisitions in live sports rights and streaming infrastructure. The platform's ownership model emphasizes long-term content deals rather than short-term promotional cycles, allowing DAZN to secure multi-year broadcasting agreements with major boxing promotions. This structure gives DAZN significant leverage in negotiating exclusive rights with fighters, promoters, and national federations worldwide.
Eddie Hearn's Role and Ownership Connection
Eddie Hearn is the chairman of Matchroom Sport, the boxing and combat sports promotion company that is closely linked to DAZN through a long-term broadcasting and promotional partnership. Hearn does not own DAZN directly, but Matchroom Sport operates as one of the primary content suppliers to the platform, with Hearn overseeing the promotion of major world title fights broadcast on DAZN. His influence on the platform's programming is substantial, given Matchroom's central role in providing marquee heavyweight and lightweight bouts that drive subscriber growth.
Hearn's professional relationship with DAZN began as Matchroom secured a landmark exclusive deal to broadcast its events on the platform, effectively making DAZN the primary home for much of his promoted card slate. Under Hearn's leadership, Matchroom has expanded its roster of world champions and title fights, increasing the platform's dependency on Matchroom content for audience retention. While DAZN's parent company retains full ownership of the streaming service, Hearn's promotional output remains a core part of DAZN's commercial model, with his decisions directly affecting the platform's subscriber acquisition and retention metrics.
Ownership Structure and Control
Access Industries and DAZN
Access Industries, led by Len Blavatnik, is the principal owner of DAZN and the entity that sets the platform's overall strategic direction. The firm's investment approach focuses on long-duration media and technology assets, with DAZN serving as a flagship sports streaming property in its portfolio. Access Industries' ownership gives DAZN the financial backing required to bid for exclusive international boxing rights, compete with traditional pay-per-view providers, and invest in original content and production capabilities.
Matchroom Sport, run by Eddie Hearn, functions as a key operational partner rather than a co-owner of DAZN. The promotional company's commercial model relies on guaranteed broadcast fees and event production revenue from DAZN, while DAZN benefits from Matchroom's consistent supply of high-profile fight cards. This partnership structure means that while Hearn does not hold an ownership stake in DAZN itself, his promotional decisions shape the platform's programming lineup, audience engagement, and global subscriber growth trajectory.