Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) is among potential bidders exploring the purchase of a minority 10% stake worth around $1bn in DAZN, reported Reuters.

PIF, chaired by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, is already part of a consortium that owns English Premier League football club Newcastle United as well as other Saudi Pro League clubs including Al-Nassr, where star footballer Cristiano Ronaldo plays. If the deal with DAZN goes through, it could increase the fund’s influence in European football. DAZN is a broadcasting partner for Italy’s Serie A, Spain’s LaLiga, Germany’s Bundesliga and France’s Ligue 1.

Although discussions between PIF and DAZN have been ongoing since late last year there is no certainty a deal will happen, sources close to the matter said to Reuters on condition of anonymity. Representatives for PIF and DAZN declined to comment.

DAZN subscribers gain access to a range of sports content, which also includes American football, boxing and baseball over its online streaming platform.

DAZN’s revenue jumped by 41% to $2.1bn in 2022 as it increased subscription prices and added domestic streaming rights to Bundesliga and Serie A to its platform, according to its latest results. However, it recorded an operating loss of $1.06bn due to increased rights costs. In September, the sports streamer acquired rights to broadcast the Six Kings Slam, a new elite tennis exhibition featuring Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal in Riyadh. It also broadcasts the Saudi Pro League in several territories and the Riyadh Season series of boxing matches, according to its website.

The post Saudi Arabia’s PIF eyes potential stake in sports streamer DAZN appeared first on BroadcastPro ME.

Source: Broadcastpro ME

Diagnal has announced a strategic technology partnership with Intigral to develop cutting-edge features for the stc play gaming platform. The new features were introduced ahead of the inaugural Esports World Cup (EWC), held from July 3 to August 25, 2024, in Riyadh, allowing stc to deliver a dynamic and immersive gaming experience for the event. This collaboration extends Intigral and Diagnal’s strategic technology partnership, aimed at enhancing entertainment experiences across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

stc play is a comprehensive gaming platform that allows gamers to connect, compete, and participate in various tournaments. As the elite and founding partner of the EWC, stc Group hosted major EWC venues for esports matches, as well as community tournaments and fun activities for event participants. The company aimed to elevate the competitive gaming experience at the festival, and increase interaction and engagement through innovative features on stc play.

Intigral and Diagnal collaborated to refresh and launch new stc play apps, with multiple language variants, and versions to cater to the popular device platforms in the market. The apps provide real-time updates on player standings, tournament results and predictions, delivering a seamless, all-in-one gaming experience. Diagnal integrated new features to amplify fan interaction, such as gameplay video sharing, and match prediction competition and prizes. A new in-app “Shop” offers tournament merchandise, stc products, gaming devices and digital top up vouchers, for gamers to upgrade their gaming experience.

The revamped stc play website and apps, available in Arabic and English, cater to a wide range of iOS and Android devices, with additional features currently in development. This partnership is part of Intigral and Diagnal’s ongoing efforts to transform entertainment experiences across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

Speaking about the partnership, Bill Sharp, Chief Technology Officer at Intigral, said: “The 2024 Esports World Cup marks a significant milestone in stc Group’s efforts to revolutionise the esports industry in the MENA region. The partnership with Diagnal aligns with our goal of delivering continuous innovation for the stc play platform.”

Reuben Verghese, CEO of Diagnal, added: “This collaboration extends our technology partnership with Intigral and stc Group into the global esports industry. We’re thrilled to work on stc play with Intigral and look forward to rolling out new features for an app roadmap that will delight gamers in the region.”

The post Diagnal partners with Intigral to enhance stc play platform appeared first on BroadcastPro ME.

Source: Broadcastpro ME

Savvy Games Group has signed a memorandum of understanding with international gaming commerce firm Xsolla to establish an interactive entertainment hub in Riyadh and create economic opportunities for game developers both in the Middle East and globally.

This strategic partnership aims to generate 3,600 new jobs in the video game industry by 2030, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s ambitious vision for the future of gaming and esports. The initiative reflects a significant commitment to the growth of the video game sector for developers, publishers and players worldwide.

The MoU outlines several key initiatives, including the launch of the Xsolla Academy, Incubator and Accelerator programmes, which are designed to support both local and international game development studios. The Academy will be instrumental in cultivating talent and promoting game development as a viable career within the Kingdom.

In addition to the Academy, the partnership will explore hosting industry-leading video game events for both business and consumer audiences, providing funding for game development projects and fostering connections between local studios and international investors.

As part of this collaboration, Xsolla will establish a regional headquarters in Riyadh, offering product development, technology, customer support and business development services to help developers and publishers expand their games in the Middle East and beyond.

Commenting on the deal, Brian Ward, CEO of Savvy Games Group, said: “This partnership with Xsolla is a crucial step in our mission to elevate Saudi Arabia’s games and esports ecosystem to global prominence. By leveraging our combined resources and expertise, we are creating jobs and building a dynamic, sustainable industry that will foster opportunity and creativity for years to come.”

Chris Hewish, Chief Strategy Officer at Xsolla, added: “We are thrilled to partner with Savvy Games Group on this groundbreaking initiative. Our shared vision for the future of video games aligns perfectly, and together, we aim to empower developers, inspire creativity, and support the next generation of talent in Saudi Arabia.”

The post Xsolla signs MoU with Savvy Games Group to launch gaming hub in Riyadh appeared first on BroadcastPro ME.

Source: Broadcastpro ME

YaLLa Esports, the esports media company and tournament organiser in the United Arab Emirates, has announced the return of YaLLa Compass in 2025, following a successful inaugural season in 2024. The tournament will feature two S-Tier LAN events across the MENA region, with a substantial prize pool of $1.5m, up from $450k in 2024.

The 2024 YaLLa Compass season attracted global attention, amassing 50m views and over 5m watch hours across all broadcasts. The tournament broke geographic barriers with 30 global broadcasts in 15 languages, reaching a worldwide audience.

Klaus Kajetski, founder and CEO, YaLLa Esports, said: “Building on the incredible growth of esports in MENA in 2024 and the success of the first Compass season, YaLLa Compass promises an even bigger and better experience for both gamers and viewers. With a larger prize pool, two LAN events, and a continued focus on creating a truly global esports experience, YaLLa Compass is solidifying its position as an S-tier tournament not only in the MENA region, but on the international stage.”

The first LAN event attracted over 2,000 visitors and featured top Counter-Strike 2 athletes, including 12 global elite teams and a local Abu Dhabi team, Ninjas in Pyjamas.

Open qualifiers for YaLLa Compass begin on July 29, with additional qualifiers scheduled for Q4 2024 and Q1 2025. Teams will then compete in a closed qualifier stage leading up to the first LAN event at landmark locations in Q2 2025.

The post YaLLa Esports announces expanded YaLLa Compass tournament for 2025 appeared first on BroadcastPro ME.

Source: Broadcastpro ME

Stc tv has announced that it is extensively covering Esports World Cup 2024 across five dedicated TV channels, utilising the advanced technical resources of the stc Group to deliver tournament coverage and a better viewer experience. Stc tv is significantly boosting the esports sector in Saudi Arabia by supporting the Esports World Cup (EWC), hosted in Riyadh for the first time at “Riyadh Boulevard City” until August 25, 2024.

With a record-breaking prize pool of $60m, stc tv brings viewers into the heart of the action. The platform allows audiences to follow the 22 competitions, complete with in-depth analyses and interviews with players and coaches, all aired on three live channels. Additionally, the “stc tv EWC Legends” channel offers exclusive and specialised coverage in Arabic, while the “stc tv EWC” channel provides English broadcasts, ensuring seamless access to all events and activities of the tournament for esports enthusiasts.

Stc tv also offers fans the flexibility to watch the championship at their convenience with a replay feature available for up to 14 days after the initial broadcast. Moreover, the live tournament broadcast is accessible via the stc play platform on stcplay.gg, allowing viewers to stay connected to the action from anywhere.

These efforts align with stc Group’s commitment to fostering the growth of gaming and esports in line with Saudi Vision 2030. By supporting the tournament as an Elite and Founding Partner of the inaugural Esports World Cup, stc Group aims to provide better experiences in the EWC, further positioning Saudi Arabia as a global esports hub.

The post Stc tv airs Esports World Cup 2024 across five dedicated TV channels appeared first on BroadcastPro ME.

Source: Broadcastpro ME

Bigo Live has announced its collaboration with the Esports World Cup (EWC) to host gaming tournaments in Saudi Arabia. This partnership, effective until July 28, 2024, underscores Bigo Live’s dedication to enriching gaming experiences for the Arabic-speaking community across the Middle East and North Africa.

The Esports World Cup, which runs until August 24, 2024, at Boulevard City in Riyadh, is anticipated to be the largest global esports and gaming festival. Over the eight-week period, gaming enthusiasts will have the chance to engage in immersive gaming activities, meet top esports teams and content creators, and interact with game publishers.

A significant aspect of Bigo Live’s collaboration with EWC is the extensive coverage of three major tournaments: Free Fire, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, and PUBG Mobile. This will offer fans an immersive experience, allowing them to engage deeply with the competitive gaming action.

Free Fire- the group stage matches will be livestreamed from July 10-12, with finals on July 13-14.

Bang Bang: The Mid-Season Cup will run from July 3-14, and the Women’s Invitational from July 24-27.

PUBG Mobile – the Group stages are set for July 19-21, the Survival Stage on July 23-24, and Main Stage from July 26-28.

Bigo Live’s mobile platform will feature immersive Arabic-language commentary for all streamed matches. This integration aims to enhance accessibility and engagement for Arabic-speaking users, enabling seamless participation in the tournaments and fostering a vibrant gaming community. This strategic initiative aligns with audience preferences and strengthens the platform’s connection with gaming fans in the region, providing mutual benefits for both Bigo Live and Esports World Cup.

“We are excited to collaborate with Esports World Cup to bring the electrifying world of esports to our community in the Middle East,” said a spokesperson from Bigo Live. “This partnership underscores our commitment to amplifying the excitement of gaming and celebrating the incredible talent within our Arab audience. With mobile esports rapidly gaining momentum in the Middle East —fueled by Saudi Arabia’s high mobile penetration and milestones like over 530m hours viewed in games such as Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, we take pride in integrating it into Bigo Live’s platform. By delivering exhilarating tournaments with immersive Arabic-language commentary, we aim to deepen our connection with gaming enthusiasts across the region and showcase their passion on a global stage.”

The collaboration also highlights Bigo Live’s dedication to supporting the thriving esports and gaming culture in the Middle East, a region poised for substantial growth in the gaming sector. With Saudi Arabia leading the charge, home to 85% of gaming enthusiasts in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), and with the esports market expected to grow from $1bn in 2021 to $6.8bn by 2030, this partnership with the Esports World Cup solidifies Bigo Live’s role as a key platform for esports enthusiasts. By amplifying the visibility of EWC events, Bigo Live not only elevates competitive gaming but also champions Saudi Arabia’s ambitious National Gaming and Esports Strategy, which aims to boost GDP and create thousands of new jobs by 2030.

The post Bigo Live livestreams Esports World Cup in Arabic across Middle East appeared first on BroadcastPro ME.

Source: Broadcastpro ME

TikTok and the Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) have signed a partnership to elevate the esports experience for the first Esports World Cup this summer in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This collaboration aims to harness TikTok’s extensive audience reach, providing esports fans worldwide with engagement and diverse content.

A key feature of this partnership is the introduction of a dedicated Esports World Cup (EWC) Hub within the TikTok app. This hub will centralise content from the EWC, its official broadcasters, teams, and players, offering comprehensive and immersive coverage throughout the event. The EWC will produce exclusive content specifically for TikTok, encouraging collaborations with popular TikTok creators to foster additional content creation.

TikTok has also planned a series of interactive activities to enrich the EWC experience. A weekly live show produced by TikTok will provide in-depth coverage and behind-the-scenes reports, keeping fans informed and entertained throughout the tournament. Additionally, TikTok LIVE will feature a variety of activities, including live broadcasts from the event by creators from around the globe. The platform will also introduce custom icons and features exclusive to TikTok LIVE for the EWC, delivering dynamic content to fans worldwide.

Commenting on the partnership, Mohammed Alnimer, Sales Director of Esports World Cup Foundation, said: “We are excited to join forces with TikTok to redefine esports content and entertainment among a broader audience. TikTok is an excellent way to authentically engage with esports communities worldwide, and enable more fans to follow and support the Esports World Cup athletes and clubs. Content creation is a key part of our strategy to grow the global esports ecosystem, and we couldn’t have asked for a better partner than TikTok to help achieve that goal.”

Mohamed Harb, Head of Partnerships, TikTok MENA, added: “Promoting a shared appreciation for e-sports, connecting fans and players across different cultures and regions is at the top of TikTok priorities. By leveraging our innovative capabilities, content creators can bring fresh and exciting perspectives to the e-sports community. TikTok enhances the fan experience with real-time interactions and exclusive content. By continuously evolving and adapting to the needs of the e-sports community, we are helping to shape the future of gaming content and fan engagement.”

Through this collaboration, TikTok and the EWCF aim to capitalise on their strengths to deliver better content and experiences to esports enthusiasts.

Starting on July 3, 2024, the Esports World Cup will transform Riyadh into the epicentre of esports fandom and gaming culture with a massive eight-week festival. The event will feature gaming activations, community tournaments, pop culture celebrations, international experiences and more. Fans can enjoy these activities and watch their favourite athletes and clubs compete in 22 Game Championships for a share of more than $60m in prize money, the largest in esports history.

The post TikTok becomes official entertainment platform for Esports World Cup appeared first on BroadcastPro ME.

Source: Broadcastpro ME

The Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) has named the Saudi Telecommunication Company Group as the Elite and Founding partner for the inaugural Esports World Cup (EWC). The festival will be hosted at Riyadh Boulevard City from July 3 and August 25 2024. The partnership was announced at an official signing ceremony attended by Faisal Alsaber, Group Chief Commercial Officer and Ralf Reichert, CEO of Esports World Cup Foundation.

Through this partnership, STC Group will provide connectivity across all EWC venues and will continue to provide their gaming technologies for esports competitions. STC Group is also the naming partner for three key venues at the event, which will host events during the tournament, including STC Arena, STC Play Gaming Hall, and STC TV World Cup Studios. The STC Arena and World Cup Studios will host esports matches, while the Gaming Hall will serve as a hub for participants to join community tournaments and other activations.

Speaking about the collaboration, Ralf Reichert, CEO of EWCF, said: “I’m proud to welcome STC Group, a telecommunications giant and digital pioneer, as an Elite and Founding Partner of the Esports World Cup. STC Group is the digital backbone of our competitions and will bring the EWC content to local and global audiences. Through their festival activation, STC will enable fans visiting the EWC to stay connected with the special STC SIM Card. As one of the largest companies in the MENA region, their support means we’re not only going to offer exceptional digital access for fans and athletes but can take the Esports World Cup to the next level.”

Olayan Alwetaid, CEO of STC Group, stated: “Our partnership with the Esports World Cup is a testament to our vision for the future of gaming. We are thrilled to be deploying our seamless world-class connectivity, enabling the kingdom to become the premier global hub for gaming. STC Group is committed to bringing this event to life with innovative technological solutions, as well as showcasing the vast scale and scope of its services.”

During the EWC, STC Play, the gaming platform, will feature activities, including an ongoing prediction segment for all tournaments. Furthermore, with the STC Play app, the participants can register for community tournaments taking place in the STC Play Gaming Hall, one of the festival’s major venues.

STC TV, a streaming service, will be streaming all EWC tournaments on its platform, ensuring viewers can watch the festival live. This partnership highlights the commitment by STC Group and the Esports World Cup to advance the growth of the gaming industry, contributing to their 2030 vision objectives of becoming a gaming hub.

The eight-week festival in Riyadh will showcase gaming activities, community tournaments, pop culture
festivities, international experiences, and more. Fans can partake in these events and witness athletes and clubs vie in 20 Game Championships for a share of over $60m in prize money — the largest prize pool in esports history.

The post STC Group becomes Elite and Founding partner of Esports World Cup 2024 appeared first on BroadcastPro ME.

Source: Broadcastpro ME

The Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) and Sony Group Corporation (Sony) have signed a multi-year partnership agreement to collaborate on initiatives for the Esports World Cup. The collaboration leverages Sony’s acclaimed gaming products and entertainment expertise alongside the EWC’s vision to unite the global gaming and esports communities across the most popular games, and underscores a shared ambition to broaden the appeal of gaming and esports to players and fans worldwide. The inaugural Esports World Cup 2024 is slated to take place this summer in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

As part of this agreement, Sony Pictures Entertainment will create a behind-the-scenes documentary series showcasing the players and games of the Esports World Cup. Sony, together with Sony Interactive Entertainment, will also look to explore additional opportunities to support promising creators and talent in the region. Sony Music Entertainment will produce the music Anthem of the Esports World Cup 2024.

Speaking about the partnership, Ralf Reichert, CEO of Esports World Cup Foundation, said: “Sony is the perfect partner for the Esports World Cup. Our goal is to establish a global platform for esports and gaming that sets new standards for live esports events. Sony’s experience in creating stunning visuals, engaging music, compelling storytelling, and state-of-the-art technology will be a game-changer for the Esports World Cup. The EWC aims to take esports to the next level, and we are thrilled to count on Sony’s world-class expertise in this endeavor.”

Toshimoto Mitomo, Executive Deputy President and CSO of Sony Group Corporation, added: “We’re excited to make the Esports World Cup more fun and engaging for fans globally by harnessing the creativity and technology from across our diverse businesses. Sony has been enhancing the esports experience especially with Sony Interactive Entertainment’s initiatives such as PlayStation Tournaments and the annual EVO fighting game series. We look forward to further catering to this growing, global community of players and fans with the Esports World Cup.”

With the Esports World Cup, EWCF has created a celebration of competitive gaming and esports fandom. This summer, top esports organisations will face off in Riyadh, to compete in a unique cross-game structure for the largest prize pool in esports history. Recently, the EWC has announced the addition of 10 popular titles – Dota 2, Counter-Strike 2, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, Honor of Kings, PUBG, PUBG Mobile, Overwatch, Free Fire, Fortnite, and Rainbow Six Siege – as participating games. More games will be announced soon.

The post Sony Group becomes founding partner of Esports World Cup appeared first on BroadcastPro ME.

Source: Broadcastpro ME

IKO Media Group has announced a significant expansion of its collaboration with Eutelsat Group, unveiling plans to launch an eSports TV package, eCLUTCH, catering to audiences across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. The platform, slated to debut on Eutelsat’s 16° East orbital position, HOTBIRD at 13° East, and 7/8° West, will feature an initial offering of 10 eSports and gaming channels, with further additions anticipated in the near future.

The eSports market is on a meteoric rise, projected to surpass 856m users globally by 2028. With millions of viewers worldwide avidly following eSports tournaments and gameplay, iKO Media Group aims to extend the reach of this captivating content beyond traditional streaming platforms and social media channels by leveraging satellite broadcasting, thus reaching audiences in areas beyond the reach of terrestrial networks.

By integrating satellite broadcasting into its distribution strategy, iKO Media Group aims to amplify the accessibility of eSports channels to millions of households equipped with satellite receivers. This strategic move not only allows broadcasters and TV platforms to tap into new audience demographics but also brings previously inaccessible content to viewers across the region.

The multi-year agreement between Eutelsat and iKO Media Group heralds a new business paradigm for Eutelsat, underscoring its evolution as a solutions provider committed to collaborating with partners to develop value-driven solutions for clients and end-users alike.

Albania’s premier pay-TV platform, DigitAlb, has already embraced the eCLUTCH service at 16° East, recognising its potential to enrich its content offerings and attract a broader subscriber base.

Commenting on the deal, Arnaud Verlhac, eCLUTCH CO-Founder, said: “Close to 1bn people around the world watch video games and tournaments. For media, E-sports is a huge opportunity to reach a new target audience in the same way they already do with sports, music, or events. I am really excited to build this bridge with such a strong and trusted partner as Eutelsat. The launch of eCLUTCH on DigitAlb, and across the EMEA region, is the achievement of several months of hard work, but just the start of a fantastic adventure.”