A significant shift is underway in the world of professional boxing broadcasting. Turki Alalshikh, the influential chairman of Saudi Arabia`s General Entertainment Authority and a driving force behind Riyadh Season events, has announced a pivotal change to how his major boxing shows will be distributed on DAZN. In a move lauded by fight fans, the era of additional pay-per-view (PPV) fees for these high-profile events is set to conclude.
The End of an Era for Riyadh Season PPVs
For years, the rising cost of pay-per-view events has been a contentious point for boxing enthusiasts. While subscriptions to streaming platforms like DAZN provide a vast library of content, premium fights often came with an additional charge, creating a financial barrier that many argued limited the sport`s reach and accessibility. Enter Turki Alalshikh, whose vision, backed by substantial investment, appears intent on reshaping this landscape.
In a recent declaration, Alalshikh confirmed a new agreement with DAZN CEO Shay Segev: all future Riyadh Season and Ring Magazine co-promoted events will be included as part of a standard DAZN subscription, with no extra PPV cost. This groundbreaking policy is slated to commence with the highly anticipated David Benavidez vs. Anthony Yarde card in November, a show expected to headline a stacked night of boxing in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Why the Change? A Nod to the Fans
Alalshikh`s statement on social media was unequivocal: “The PPV model has damaged boxing, and we will no longer support it. We are with the fight fans.” This sentiment directly addresses widespread criticism from the boxing community, who have often expressed frustration over the perceived nickel-and-diming associated with major fights. The decision reflects a strategic pivot towards maximizing audience engagement and potentially revitalizing interest in the sport by lowering the financial hurdle for premium content.
It`s a testament to the influence of figures like Alalshikh that such a significant change can be implemented. His Riyadh Season events have quickly become a cornerstone of the global boxing calendar, attracting top talent and delivering high-quality productions. By making these marquee events more accessible, the aim is to foster a larger, more engaged fanbase, which, ironically, could lead to greater long-term value for the sport and its stakeholders, even without the immediate PPV revenue stream.
Clarifying the New Model`s Scope
It is important to note what this announcement entails, and equally, what it does not. The standard DAZN subscription fee remains in place; this initiative simply removes the additional, event-specific PPV charge for Riyadh Season and The Ring events. For existing subscribers, this means a significant increase in value for their monthly outlay.
Furthermore, this policy applies specifically to events promoted or co-promoted by Turki Alalshikh`s entities. Other promoters utilizing the DAZN platform, such as Frank Warren`s Queensberry Promotions, may continue to offer their events on a PPV basis. An example of this distinction is the upcoming Oleksandr Usyk vs. Daniel Dubois heavyweight title clash, which remains a PPV event promoted by Queensberry, despite being aired on DAZN.
Intriguingly, the new policy also highlights a specific start date. While the November Benavidez vs. Yarde event will be free for subscribers, an earlier Riyadh Season event featuring Moses Itauma vs. Dillian Whyte on August 16th is still scheduled to carry a PPV price in the UK. This indicates a clear transition period, with the November show marking the true beginning of this new broadcasting approach.
The Broader Implications for Boxing
Turki Alalshikh`s move could serve as a powerful precedent for the boxing industry. As broadcasters and promoters grapple with evolving consumption habits and the desire for more direct fan engagement, innovative models are crucial. By prioritizing accessibility over immediate per-event revenue, Alalshikh is making a bold statement about the future direction of the sport.
This initiative has the potential to:
- Increase viewership: More accessible fights mean more eyes on the sport, potentially drawing in new fans.
- Enhance fan goodwill: Acknowledging and acting on fan frustrations can build loyalty and positive sentiment.
- Influence competitive landscapes: Other promoters and broadcasters may be pressured to re-evaluate their own PPV strategies to remain competitive for fighter talent and fan attention.
- Solidify Riyadh Season`s position: By offering unparalleled value, Alalshikh`s events could further cement their status as must-watch attractions.
In a world where entertainment options are boundless, the battle for audience attention is fierce. Alalshikh`s decision to dismantle the PPV barrier for his key events is not merely a gesture of goodwill; it is a calculated strategic maneuver designed to ensure boxing remains a vibrant and widely consumed spectacle. For fight fans, it heralds a potentially more affordable and enjoyable era of watching the sport they love.