DAZN is buying EverPass Media. The deal deepens the sports platform’s push into U.S. commercial sports distribution.
What We Know: DAZN is acquiring EverPass Media, the exclusive commercial distributor of NFL Sunday Ticket. Meanwhile, the deal marks DAZN’s full-scale entry into U.S. commercial sports media rights. EverPass will rebrand as DAZN for Business, giving the streaming platform reach into bars, restaurants and hotels nationwide. Additionally, RedBird Capital, 32 Equity and TKO Group Holdings will become minority DAZN shareholders.
What They Said: Shay Segev, CEO of DAZN Group: “EverPass Media gives us a proven commercial distribution platform, deep relationships across U.S. venues, and an attractive portfolio of premium rights that perfectly complements our growing U.S. business. DAZN can now serve every type of customer in the U.S. From individual sports fans using the DAZN app to commercial venues looking to provide the best possible viewing experience for their customers.”
Hans Schroeder, Executive Vice President, Media Distribution, National Football League: “We are excited to expand our partnership with DAZN through this acquisition. We’ll continue to work with EverPass and DAZN to deliver the best NFLST experience to the commercial marketplace. Together, we will continue to expand reach for commercial NFL Sunday Ticket and deepen engagement in a key segment where fans gather for NFL football.”
Gerry Cardinale, Founder and Managing Partner, RedBirdCapital Partners: “RedBird and 32 Equity founded EverPass as sports content continues to move to streaming while many businesses remain tied to legacy distribution. EverPassdelivers a purpose-built streaming platform which will help anchor DAZN’s commercial business and US expansion. We’re looking forward to working closely with DAZN in this next phase to scale the EverPassbusiness globally.”
Mark Zhu, Chief Strategy Officer, TKO Group Holdings: “Nothing brings people together like live sports, and EverPass helps power that experience for fans beyond the home and arena. As an early investor, TKO is excited to continue supporting EverPass in this next chapter and seeing the results this combination with DAZN can deliver for fans, commercial venue owners and partners around the world.”
What Remains Unclear: The release does not disclose financial terms of the acquisition. Furthermore, no timeline was given for when EverPass will formally complete its rebrand. It also remains unclear how quickly DAZN will expand the platform’s capabilities globally, as promised. However, existing EverPass customers should see no service interruption in the meantime.
What It Means: Overall, DAZN now controls both consumer and commercial pathways to U.S. sports fans. As a result, the company can compete directly for venue business alongside its app-based subscribers. Consequently, the streaming platform strengthens its NFL relationship while inheriting EverPass’s ties to leagues like the EPL, NBA and MLB. Ultimately, this positions DAZN as a broader force in the U.S. sports market.
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John Mamola is Barrett Media’s sports editor and daily sports columnist. He brings over two decades of experience (Chicago, Tampa/St Petersburg) in the broadcast industry with expertise in brand management, sales, promotions, producing, imaging, hosting, talent coaching, talent development, web development, social media strategy and design, video production, creative writing, partnership building, communication/networking with a long track record of growth and success. He is a five-time recognized top 20 program director in a major market via Barrett Medi’s Top 20 series and has been honored internally multiple times as station/brand of the year (Tampa, FL) and employee of the month (Tampa, FL) by iHeartMedia. Connect with John by email at John@BarrettMedia.com.