DAZN deepens creator football bet with Kings World Cup deal
DAZN has expanded its Kings League partnership to show every match from the 2026 Kings World Cup Clubs in selected international markets, strengthening the platform’s push into free-to-view football built around creators and digital audiences.
DAZN has secured international rights to the 2026 Kings World Cup Clubs, adding all 27 matches from the seven-a-side tournament to its expanding free-to-view sports portfolio.The competition will run in Italy from July 26 to August 1 and feature 16 clubs from the Kings League’s domestic competitions and wider international network. The final will be staged in Milan.The agreement extends DAZN’s relationship with Kings League after the platform carried the Kings World Cup Nations and other competitions from the Gerard Piqué-founded property during 2026.Coverage will be available live and on demand in selected territories, giving Kings League additional international distribution while supplying DAZN with short-format football content designed for digitally engaged audiences.The tournament will use a Swiss-style structure rather than a conventional group stage. Clubs will play across two opening rounds before a last-chance phase determines the remaining quarter-final places.The quarter-finals will take place on July 31, with the semi-finals and final scheduled for August 1. The compressed format creates a concentrated week of live inventory for DAZN and the competition’s commercial partners.Kings League matches are played over two 20-minute halves and incorporate rule variations intended to increase scoring, uncertainty and social media engagement. These include a countdown kick-off, rolling substitutions and special cards that can alter matches.The product combines former professional players with streamers, influencers and other digital personalities, allowing teams and competitions to reach audiences through both live coverage and creator-owned channels.DAZN’s latest agreement supports its wider strategy of using free access to acquire users and build engagement around emerging sports properties. The company has also used free-to-view distribution for major events including the FIFA Club World Cup and Kings World Cup Nations.The partnership gives Kings League a centralised international platform while preserving the creator-led distribution model that has supported its growth across Spain, Italy, Germany, France, Brazil, Mexico and the MENA region.DAZN will begin its coverage with the opening round on July 26, before the competition concludes with three matches in Milan on August 1.