Foxtel is set to get a new owner later this year as per a deal announced just before Christmas.
Foxtel owners Telstra and News Corp have entered into an agreement with international sports streamer DAZN, which would see it acquire 100% of the company. The acquisition is subject to regulatory approvals, but is expected to close in the first half of 2025.
Despite new ownership, DAZN has committed to maintaining a local head office, local leadership, and local sports and entertainment production for Foxtel. In a press release, Foxtel says the acquisition will allow it to better compete with local and international streamers, as well as bring more international sports to Foxtel and Kayo subscribers.
Foxtel CEO Patrick Delany - who will stay on following the purchase - described it as a significant step forward in the company's "transformation as a leading sports and entertainment streaming provider in Australia".
"DAZN’s ownership will provide us with access to global reach and the infrastructure and technology to support our continued transformation and allow us to continue to compete effectively with the global streaming giants," said Delany.
DAZN CEO Shay Segev said the acquisition was an exciting opportunity for the streamer, given "Australians watch more sport than any other country in the world". Despite the emphasis on sports, Segev said DAZN will also invest in Foxtel's entertainment properties, presumably referring to Binge and Hubbl.
"We are committed to supporting and investing in Foxtel’s television and streaming services, across both sports and entertainment, using our world-leading technology to further enhance the viewing experience for customers," said Segev.
DAZN already operates in Australia, but the core product is focused on boxing. It also resells NFL Game Pass.
DAZN's planned acquisition of Foxtel comes at a potentially turbulent time in Australia. Warner Bros Discovery has announced plans to launch its streaming service Max locally in the middle of this year.
Foxtel has a deal with Warner Bros Discovery that includes local rights to HBO programming, Max originals, and channels such as Discovery, Animal Planet, CNN International, and Cartoon Network. While the two companies have suggested they will keep working together in some form, there's a good chance that there'll be changes in what rights Foxtel is able to hold on to.
It's unlikely that Warner Bros Discovery would want to keep licensing HBO programming to Foxtel for example, as prestige shows such as House of the Dragon and White Lotus are the type of content that drives new subscriptions - and new subscriptions are pretty important if you're launching a new streaming service in a new market.
Foxtel has seemingly already been preparing for this, having expanded Binge's remit to include some live sports at no extra cost late last year. Similarly, Binge now offers annual plans with discounts for customers willing to commit to a year upfront.
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