Foxtel’s New Era: DAZN Acquisition Reshapes Australian Sports and Entertainment Streaming

Historic Transformation in Australian Media

In a landmark deal, News Corp has finalized the sale of Australian pay-TV operator Foxtel Group to global sports streaming provider DAZN, in a transaction valued at $2.2 billion.

The deal, announced on December 23, 2024, valued the company at $3.4 billion. As part of the arrangement, News Corp Australia and Telstra will maintain minority stakes of 6% and 3% in DAZN respectively. The acquisition received final approval from Australian regulatory bodies, including the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission and Foreign Investment Review Board, with completion on April 2, 2025.

2025 Content Strategy and Innovation

Foxtel Group is positioning itself for a transformative 2025, unveiling an extensive suite of premium domestic and international content across its platforms including Kayo Sports, Foxtel, Foxtel Now, Foxtel Go, and BINGE. The company is particularly focused on enhancing its sports coverage, promising more expert analysis, increased 4K game coverage, and innovative features to enhance viewer experience.

BINGE is receiving a significant upgrade in 2025, expanding its offering to include live and on-demand premium sports from Kayo Sports, plus additional live news channels. The platform will feature major news outlets including Sky News, Sky News UK, CNBC, and Fox Sports News, alongside more than 3,000 On Demand hours of lifestyle content.

Strategic Impact and Future Outlook

DAZN CEO Shay Segev highlighted the strategic importance of the acquisition, noting that “Australians watch more sport than any other country in the world,” making this a crucial market entry for DAZN’s global expansion plans. The company has expressed confidence that its global reach and focus on innovation will drive continued business growth.

While Foxtel’s primary strength remains in sports content, demonstrated through its broadcast innovations, comprehensive commentary team, and ad-free live play, the company faces significant challenges in 2025 with increasing market competition. The streaming landscape is becoming more competitive, with new players entering the market.

Under the new ownership, Foxtel will continue to be led by CEO Patrick Delany and his current team, overseeing a subscriber base of 4.7 million across subscription television, streaming, sports production, and advertising services.