Major Leagues Meet Streaming Giants: DAZN’s Bold Move at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup
The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup has kicked off in the United States, and DAZN is making waves not only among soccer aficionados but across the entire sports broadcasting industry. Known primarily as a streaming service, DAZN is stepping into the limelight with exclusive rights to stream all 63 matches of the tournament globally—and for free. This ambitious approach marks a significant pivot in how streaming services engage with fans, elevating DAZN’s presence in the competitive U.S. market.
A Transformative Production Hub
At the center of this momentous operation is Studio J, located within TNT Sports’ historic Techwood Studios in Atlanta. This venue, famous for hosting the acclaimed "Inside the NBA" program, has been dramatically reimagined for the Club World Cup. DAZN is leveraging this iconic location to create a production scale that spans various cities and countries, showcasing their commitment to a robust broadcasting experience.
Nick Turner, DAZN’s EVP of production, describes the project’s excitement level as palpable. “Watching the studio come to life in rehearsals underscores the significance of this event,” he shares. The buzz permeating the team reflects a shared understanding of the tournament’s global importance and a commitment to delivering it in a grand style.
An Unprecedented Production Scale
DAZN’s production for the Club World Cup is unprecedented in both its scale and collaborative nature. They are not only producing 60 English-language broadcasts from Atlanta but also closely collaborating with TNT Sports and TUDN. TNT will air 24 matches, while TUDN will cover 19, giving the event extensive exposure across different markets.
Turner emphasizes the magnitude of this production: “We’re offering multilingual studio shows and commentary for a global viewership, allowing fans to access all matches for free.” This level of accessibility for a tournament of this scale is a groundbreaking move, aiming to attract a diverse audience.
Depth of Coverage with Expert Talent
What sets DAZN’s coverage apart is the depth of talent involved. An extensive team of 32 embedded reporters, one for each club, will deliver exclusive behind-the-scenes insights throughout the tournament. Many of these reporters already have established relationships with the clubs they cover, fostering an authentic perspective that elevates the content.
“Their insight is unmatched,” notes Turner, highlighting the added value this brings to viewers in the U.S. The combination of studio talent and on-the-ground reporters promises a rich, engaging viewing experience.
Collaborating with Industry Giants
DAZN’s partnership with TNT Sports and TUDN is a groundbreaking approach in the sports media landscape. The synergy among these teams is described by Turner as “a true game-changer.” This collaboration offers creative alignment, allowing all parties to contribute their strengths for a premium product that captivates viewers.
By blending TNT’s technical capabilities with DAZN’s global broadcasting acumen, the production is fine-tuned to cater to varied audiences. In Spanish-speaking markets, for instance, full studio coverage for all 63 matches is spearheaded in collaboration with TUDN, bringing a diverse pool of analysts and hosts into the fold.
A High-Impact Technical Coordination
Coordinating such a vast production requires precision and coordination. DAZN has set up a dedicated Match Centre in the U.S., managing the distribution of feeds—including HDR streams—for all matches to partners and end-users. The behind-the-scenes operations are a finely tuned machine, with real-time communication occurring across multiple cities.
“I can hear the TNT director coordinating with the DAZN Match Centre producer,” Turner reveals, illustrating the seamless integration of efforts across the board. This level of coordination showcases DAZN’s commitment to delivering an exceptional broadcast experience.
Shaping the Broadcast Experience with FIFA
While FIFA oversees match production through its partner HBS, DAZN has carved out an integral role, engaging from the get-go to enhance the broadcast quality. Working closely with FIFA, DAZN’s SVP of Content, Quim Domenich, has been pivotal in determining the coverage’s editorial direction, ensuring it meets high standards across the board.
The HDR-enabled feeds tailored for DAZN audiences are not just a technological upgrade but a statement about the quality viewers have come to expect, deepening the narrative surrounding the tournament.
Ground-Level Presence for the Semifinals
DAZN’s operations will gradually transition from Atlanta to MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ, as the tournament progresses toward its conclusion. The approach adds a palpable energy to the event, guaranteeing a full-scale, on-site production that lifts the closing matches to new heights.
“It’s going to be a full-on production,” says Turner, hinting at the grand finale planned for the tournament’s closing stages.
Learning from Global Partnerships
A unifying theme for DAZN during the Club World Cup has been the lessons learned from collaboration with established broadcasters like TNT and TUDN. Turner emphasizes the importance of adapting to different workflows and industry terms, acknowledging the nuanced differences between U.S. and UK broadcasting practices.
“Every organization has its own TV language,” he explains, sharing insights into the cultural dynamics at play. The camaraderie forged between the teams reflects a mutual passion for soccer and devotion to quality broadcasting.
Recognizing the Team Behind the Scenes
Finally, Turner shines a spotlight on the dedicated individuals who make such a large-scale production possible. From quality assurance to editorial excellence, the contributions from teams across DAZN, TNT, and TUDN are foundational to this ambitious project.
As fans worldwide tune in to witness clubs vying for dominance from every corner of the globe, DAZN’s approach to the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup serves as a powerful reminder of the network’s evolving identity. This monumental event showcases not only the love for soccer but also what is achievable when passion and professionalism collide on a global stage.
