Fans react to DAZN price increase
Alongside the announcement of their upcoming boxing schedule, streaming service DAZN are set to increase prices for subscribers in the UK by up to 150%.
The sports platform provides content in more than 200 countries and territories, and was put on the map in terms of the UK boxing scene by Eddie Hearn and his promotional company, Matchroom, who signed a longterm deal.
The previous monthly price for UK fans was £7.99, but they are set to see an increase to £9.99 if they sign up for 12 months in full. A flexi-pass – one that allows subscribers to cancel anytime and avoid the yearly commitment – is set at £19.99 per month. The cost for a year’s subscription in a one-off payment is £99.99.
Subscribers were made aware of price increases via email as the broadcaster’s six-month fight plan was announced on social media. The company advised that regular subscriptions would jump to the £19.99 price point on the next payment date unless users switched to one of the ‘savers’ plans.
Queensberry Promotions' Dev Sahni described it as, "Heavy handed and panicked approach in my opinion." He also made the very valid point for subscribers being asked to cough up for the entire year upfront that, "The schedule has only been announced to May 2023 so customers need to trust the later content will be good."
Martin Theobald from New Age Boxing added, "Genune suggestion for Joe Markowski and DAZN that would somewhat soften the insane price riseand rreting PPV: Promise subscribers that if you have a month with no live noxing, they don't charge you for the month." Martin also queried, "I am sure with a 150% increase in cost, DAZN will also offer a 150% increase in quality and quantity of content for UK boxing fans."
BBN Editor Tim Rickson added his views: "In order to continue paying at the same cost, you have to pay the year's subscription in full. In the current climate with energy bills and mortgages increasing so highly, this option is not suitable for many households. We are in the midst of a cost of living crisis where many people can't afford to heat their homes, so this price increase from DAZN, which has nearly tripled in cost, is just out of touch with reality in my view.
"I've already cancelled my subscription, not because I can't aford it, but because I disagree with it. One thing that has always bugged me is when peope make the comparison that a price is the same as a cost of one round of drinks in the pub, usually referring to a PPV event cost, but I have always maintained that it's not just a 'cost of a round of drinks', it's a cost on top of a cost. I'm paying for Sky Sports to watch BOXXER shows, BT Sport for Queensberry events, DAZN for Matchroom… it's never-ending. It's great that boxing is more accessible than ever, but the costs that come with following the sport is becoming unaffordable for fans."
There is a pay-per-view service, too, most recently rolled out for DAZN’s crossover events, Misfits, in which YouTuber KSI regularly headlines. Saul ‘Canelo’ Álvarez’ trilogy bout with Gennadiy Golovkin was also only available at an extra cost.
Their schedule’s star attraction is Anthony Joshua’s first fight back after consecutive defeats to Oleksandr Usyk. He will take on Jermaine Franklin on April 1 at London’s O2 Arena. Callum Smith returns to action in the light heavyweight division against undefeated Polish fighter, Pawel Stepien, on March 11 in Liverpool.
“Reflective of the steady increase in live sports and original content, we’re updating our pricing across the DAZN service from 6 February 2023 and introducing three subscription plans to suit all types of fan,” a spokeperson stated.
Other highlights include Katie Taylor’s rematch with Amanda Serrano in Dublin on May 20, and Joe Cordina’s super-featherweight title challenge against Shavkatdzhon Rakhimov in Cardiff on April 22. No fights mentioned are on the PPV model.
DAZN Schedule
Feb 18: Wood vs Lara
March 4: Fierro vs Estela
March 11: Smith vs Stepien
March 18: Pattinson vs Jenkins
April 1: Joshua vs Franklin
April 8: Rodriguez vs Gonzalez
April 22: Rakhimov vs Cordina
May 20: Taylor vs Serrano 2
