Multiple reports suggest that the owners of Newcastle United could be ready to take a 10% investment in DAZN.
The broadcaster, which has a major base in Leeds, is set to get a $1bn windfall through the deal, which could go ahead this month.
That cash would certainly help the broadcasting platform, which lost £1.25bn according to its 2022 accounts, although that’s an improvement on the previous year, and it is expected to head towards breakeven this financial year.
The deal would be through Surj Sports Investment, which is part of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund – a £514bn pot of cash, which has already been used to invest in a range of sports, from football to golf.
According to the New York Times, discussions have been taking place for a year and would lead to content from Saudi Arabia being broadcast for free via the platform.
Currently DAZN is funded by Ukrainian-born billionaire, Len Blavatnik. The former owner of Warner Music is a dual UK and US citizen.
DAZN has a 40,000sq ft facility in Leeds, which can house up to 350 staff, which houses its key broadcast operations.
Neither party has publicly commented.
