The future of in-flight and at-sea entertainment is poised for a significant upgrade. DAZN, the global sports streaming service, announced today its plans to launch DAZN Inflight, a dedicated division bringing live sports action directly to passengers on airplanes and cruise ships beginning in 2027. The move signals a growing expectation among travelers for premium, real-time content even even as in transit, and represents a challenge to the current market leader in this space.
Aviv Giladi, currently President of DAZN Partnerships, will lead the new division. This expansion comes as in-flight and on-ship internet connectivity continues to improve, making live streaming a more reliable and appealing option for travelers. DAZN’s entry into this market isn’t simply about offering another entertainment option; it’s about capitalizing on a convergence of technological advancements and evolving consumer expectations, according to Shay Segev, Chief Executive at DAZN Group. “Technology is unlocking unprecedented opportunities to revolutionize how fans experience the sports they love,” Segev said in a statement. “DAZN is at the forefront of this transformation…DAZN Inflight is an exciting proposition that will be designed to create live games truly unmissable.”
Challenging the Status Quo: DAZN vs. Sport 24
Currently, the dominant player in the in-flight and on-ship sports entertainment market is Sport 24, a platform operated by IMG, the international sports marketing giant. Sport 24 boasts an impressive portfolio of rights, including live coverage of the English Premier League through the 2027-28 season, the FIFA World Cup, the NFL, and the NBA. According to Sport 24, their service is currently available on 610 aircraft – including major carriers like Etihad Airways, Emirates, Turkish Airlines, Singapore Airlines, and Cathay Pacific – and 119 cruise ships operated by Carnival Group, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Fred Olsen.
DAZN’s arrival represents a direct competitive threat. While Sport 24 has established strong relationships with airlines and cruise lines, DAZN brings its own strengths to the table. The streaming service has rapidly expanded its sports coverage beyond its initial focus on boxing and soccer, now encompassing a wide range of top-tier properties. This breadth of content, combined with DAZN’s established streaming infrastructure, positions it to potentially disrupt the existing market. DAZN recently reinforced its position in boxing, renewing its global broadcast partnership with Golden Boy Promotions, demonstrating a continued commitment to key sports properties.
The Connectivity Factor: A Crucial Component
The success of DAZN Inflight, and indeed the continued growth of in-flight entertainment options, is inextricably linked to the improvement of in-ship and in-flight internet connectivity. For years, spotty and expensive Wi-Fi has been a major barrier to seamless streaming. However, advancements in satellite technology and the rollout of new connectivity solutions are steadily addressing these challenges. Companies like Intelsat and Viasat are investing heavily in high-throughput satellites designed to deliver faster and more reliable internet access to aircraft and ships. Intelsat, for example, is actively working to expand its in-flight connectivity offerings.
Giladi acknowledged the importance of this technological progress, stating, “Just a few years ago, even the idea of watching a cup final live on a flight would have been unthinkable. Today, we are announcing the reality, and it is just months away.” This suggests DAZN is confident that the necessary infrastructure will be in place to support a reliable streaming experience by the 2027 launch date.
What This Means for Travelers and the Sports Industry
For travelers, the arrival of DAZN Inflight promises a more engaging and personalized in-transit experience. Instead of relying on pre-loaded content or limited cable channels, passengers will have access to a vast library of live sports events, potentially including their favorite leagues, teams, and athletes. This could be particularly appealing for long-haul flights and cruises, where entertainment options can be limited.
For the sports industry, DAZN’s move represents another avenue for reaching fans and expanding its global audience. By partnering with airlines and cruise lines, DAZN can tap into a captive audience of travelers who may not have access to traditional broadcast channels. This could lead to increased viewership, higher engagement, and new revenue opportunities for sports leagues and teams.
Looking Ahead: Partnerships and Content Strategy
While DAZN has announced its intention to launch DAZN Inflight, several key details remain to be seen. The company has not yet revealed its content strategy for the platform, nor has it announced any partnerships with airlines or cruise lines. Securing these partnerships will be crucial for DAZN’s success, as it will need to integrate its streaming service into the existing in-flight entertainment systems of these carriers. The company will also need to negotiate rights agreements with sports leagues and teams to ensure it can offer a compelling and diverse range of content.
The next step for DAZN will likely involve announcing these key partnerships and outlining its content offerings. Industry observers will be closely watching to witness how DAZN positions itself against Sport 24 and whether it can successfully capture a significant share of the in-flight and on-ship sports entertainment market. The company has set an ambitious goal, but with its established streaming expertise and growing sports portfolio, DAZN is well-positioned to challenge the status quo and deliver a new era of in-flight sports entertainment.
DAZN Inflight is scheduled to launch in 2027. Further updates regarding partnerships and content availability will be released in the coming months. Stay tuned for more information as it becomes available.
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