J.League signs streaming deal
July 20, 2016
By Colin Mann
Japan’s professional football body J.League has agreed a 10-year, $2 billion domestic broadcast contract with live sports streaming service DAZN, owned by Perform Group.
The deal, which is set to begin in 2017, will see DAZN offer live broadcasts of all MEIJI YASUDA J1, J2, and J3 Leagues matches.
Founded by Perform Group, the world’s largest digital sports content and media provider, DAZN’s high-quality streams are available through multiple platforms including PC, mobile, tablet, televisions, and video game devices.
By leveraging Perform Group’s experience and technology, the J.League will work to produce exciting and high-quality match broadcasts.
Additionally, the J.League, DAZN, and NTT Group will work to outfit J1 League home stadia with WiFi technology in order to provide attendees with an improved match day experience.
Details regarding DAZN, including prices and subscription methods, will be announced later in Summer 2016.
J.League Chairman Mitsuru Murai noted that the deal represented the first long-term broadcasting contract of such a scale in the Japanese sports world, and was proof that the Japanese sports industry could produce content worthy of foreign investment. “As the Internet and mobile marketplaces continue to evolve, we will be one of the first to join together with a business deeply involved in that industry. We intend to use this deal as an opportunity to invest in an attractive league for as many fans as possible and contribute to society as leaders in the Japanese sports industry,” he stated.
Perform Investment Japan CEO James Rushton said the platform was “incredibly happy” to be able to offer a long-term service to the J.League, its players, and its fans. “Through this partnership, we hope that DAZN will share the magic of the J.League with viewers at any place and any time,” he added.