DAZN CEO Shay Segev recently landed at number seven on Boxing News’ prestigious 2025 Power List, nestled between industry giants Oscar De La Hoya and Al Haymon. This isn`t merely an acknowledgment of an individual`s influence; it`s a telling snapshot of the seismic shifts reverberating through the world of professional boxing, with streaming services like DAZN increasingly calling the shots.
For decades, the power brokers of boxing were a familiar cohort: the seasoned promoters, the television network executives with deep pockets, and the occasional enigmatic investor. Today, a new force is unequivocally at play. Segev`s inclusion, and indeed his prominent placement, signals DAZN`s firm grip on the sport`s commercial future, transforming it from a traditional broadcast staple into a global digital spectacle.
The Architect of Access: DAZN`s Strategic Blueprint
DAZN`s ascent isn`t accidental; it`s the result of a deliberate, aggressive strategy focused on securing top-tier talent and forging critical partnerships. The platform boasts exclusive relationships with some of boxing`s most prolific promoters, including the ever-present Eddie Hearn, the legendary Oscar De La Hoya, and the formidable Frank Warren. These alliances ensure a consistent pipeline of high-profile bouts, keeping the DAZN content engine well-oiled and its subscriber base engaged.
However, the plot thickens with the formidable entry of Turki Alalshikh. His substantial investments, particularly through Riyadh Season and Ring Magazine events, have become not just a part but an integral pillar of DAZN’s business model. Alalshikh`s recent, rather dramatic declaration—that all his future shows from November 22 onwards would be available without an additional pay-per-view (PPV) fee—sent a ripple of genuine delight through the often-frustrated boxing fan community.
For years, the boxing faithful have endured what felt like a financial endurance test for every major event, with PPV costs steadily escalating to dizzying heights. Alalshikh`s move, therefore, isn`t just a marketing ploy; it`s a direct challenge to the traditional PPV paradigm, potentially heralding a future where premium boxing becomes more accessible, albeit still within a subscription framework. It`s an intriguing development, one that hints at the long-awaited “death of PPV” that has, for years, been boxing`s equivalent of a perpetually delayed main event.
The Streaming Tsunami: Riding the Digital Wave
The timing of DAZN`s rise coincides perfectly with a significant exodus from traditional sports broadcasting. Giants like HBO, Showtime, and even ESPN, once synonymous with boxing`s biggest nights, have either scaled back their commitment or exited the sport entirely. This vacuum has provided fertile ground for streaming services to flourish, and DAZN has been particularly adept at capitalizing on this shift.
By securing exclusive broadcast rights for major events—from Oleksandr Usyk vs. Daniel Dubois 2 to the monumental clashes involving Usyk and Tyson Fury—DAZN has cemented its position as the go-to destination for elite boxing. This dominance isn`t just about showing fights; it`s about redefining the entire fan experience.
Beyond the Bell: Crafting the Fan Experience
Segev`s vision for DAZN extends far beyond merely broadcasting bouts. As he articulated in response to his Power List recognition, the goal is to “innovate how fans experience it, whether through our innovative technology, landmark global partnerships, or giving fighters a stronger voice through powerful storytelling.” This holistic approach suggests a future where DAZN is not just a platform, but a curator of boxing culture. Initiatives like `The Ring Pass,` though still evolving, hint at deeper engagement, offering subscribers more than just live events.
In an era where every click is counted and every subscription hard-won, simply showing fights isn`t enough. DAZN is striving to build a community, to tell the stories behind the punches, and to make boxing feel as vital and immediate as ever. It`s a technical challenge wrapped in a narrative opportunity: how to deliver high-quality, global sports content seamlessly, while also capturing the raw, human drama that makes boxing so compelling.
The Road Ahead: Pushing Boundaries
Shay Segev`s place on the Power List is more than just a personal accolade; it`s a testament to DAZN`s strategic prowess and its role in steering boxing towards a digitally-native future. While the `pay-per-view is dead` prophecy may still have a few rounds left in it, the trajectory is clear. Streaming services, led by players like DAZN, are not just adapting to the future of boxing; they are actively shaping it.
The motivation, as Segev himself stated, is to “keep pushing boundaries and delivering for the fans, the fighters, and the sport.” In a landscape where technological innovation meets raw athletic prowess, DAZN, under Segev`s guidance, appears well-equipped to continue its reign as the sport`s digital colossus, ensuring that the sweet science remains both accessible and thrilling for generations to come.
