DAZN Inflight: New Division to Stream Live Sports to Passengers
The promise of live sports, once confined to stadiums and living rooms, is rapidly expanding to less conventional venues – the skies and the seas. DAZN, the global sports streaming service, announced this week its plans to launch DAZN Inflight, a dedicated service bringing live action to airline passengers and those traveling on cruise ships by 2027. For travelers passing through or originating from a major hub like Chicago O’Hare International Airport, In other words the potential to catch a Premier League match at 30,000 feet, or the thrill of a boxing title fight while cruising the Caribbean.
Currently, the in-flight and on-ship sports broadcasting landscape is largely dominated by IMG’s Sport 24 platform. Sport 24 already boasts an impressive reach, delivering live games to over 600 aircraft – including major carriers like Etihad Airways, Emirates, and Singapore Airlines – and 119 cruise ships operated by companies like Carnival Group and Royal Caribbean. DAZN Inflight aims to disrupt this established market, leveraging DAZN’s extensive portfolio of sports rights and its growing technological capabilities. The timing is strategic, coinciding with improvements in the reliability and speed of in-flight and on-ship internet connectivity, making seamless live streaming a more realistic prospect.
DAZN’s existing content library is broad, encompassing boxing, soccer, and a growing range of other sports. The company has been particularly aggressive in securing boxing rights, recently renewing its global broadcast partnership with Golden Boy, solidifying its position as a key player in the sport’s media landscape. This focus on boxing, a sport with a dedicated and often mobile fanbase, suggests a potential key differentiator for DAZN Inflight. Shay Segev, CEO of DAZN Group, emphasized the transformative potential of this technology, stating, “Technology is unlocking unprecedented opportunities to revolutionize how fans experience the sports they love.”
Aviv Giladi, President of DAZN Partnerships, who will lead the DAZN Inflight initiative, echoed this sentiment, noting that watching a major sporting event live during travel was once considered impossible. “Today, we are announcing the reality, and it is just months away,” Giladi said. This shift reflects a broader trend in the entertainment industry – a move towards providing consumers with access to content anytime, anywhere. The launch of DAZN Inflight isn’t just about delivering live sports; it’s about catering to the evolving expectations of a connected traveler.
The impact of this development extends beyond the entertainment value for passengers. For airlines and cruise lines, offering premium content like live sports can be a significant differentiator, attracting and retaining customers. It also presents new revenue opportunities through potential subscription models or bundled packages. The University of Illinois at Chicago’s (UIC) Business School, for example, has conducted research on the economic impact of in-flight entertainment, demonstrating a clear correlation between enhanced passenger experience and airline profitability. The Illinois Sports Facilities Authority, responsible for managing Soldier Field and Guaranteed Rate Field, could see increased visibility for the sports they host as fans remain engaged even while traveling.
The success of DAZN Inflight will depend on several factors, including the ability to secure favorable partnerships with airlines and cruise lines, the quality of the streaming experience, and the cost of access for passengers. Competition from established players like Sport 24 will be fierce. However, DAZN’s global reach, its diverse content portfolio, and its commitment to innovation position it well to challenge the status quo. The Chicago Department of Aviation, overseeing O’Hare and Midway airports, will likely be monitoring this trend closely, as enhanced in-flight entertainment could contribute to a more positive travel experience for passengers passing through the city.
Navigating the New Landscape: Local Resources for Chicago Travelers
Given my background in media and technology consulting, and understanding the implications of this shift for travelers in the Chicago area, I anticipate a growing need for specialized services to support both consumers and businesses. If you’re a Chicago resident or visitor frequently traveling through O’Hare or Midway, here are three types of local professionals you should consider having in your network:
- Mobile Device Security Specialists: With increased reliance on personal devices for in-flight entertainment, protecting your data becomes paramount. Look for specialists certified in mobile device security, familiar with the latest VPN technologies, and capable of conducting comprehensive security audits. They should be able to advise on secure Wi-Fi usage and data encryption practices.
- Travel Technology Consultants: These professionals can help you optimize your travel experience by recommending the best devices, apps, and accessories for streaming and connectivity. They should have a deep understanding of in-flight Wi-Fi capabilities and be able to troubleshoot connectivity issues. Focus on consultants who specialize in business travel solutions, as they’ll be familiar with the needs of frequent flyers.
- Entertainment Legal Counsel: As streaming services expand, questions around content rights and licensing turn into more complex. If you’re a business considering offering in-flight entertainment, or if you’re a content creator exploring distribution opportunities, you’ll need legal counsel specializing in entertainment law. Look for attorneys with experience in digital media licensing and intellectual property rights.
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