What's the future of boxing streaming?

When DAZN entered the U.S. boxing market in 2018, it did so with a bold claim: “Pay-per-view is dead.” Seven years later, that message has evolved. DAZN CEO Shay Segev now says the streaming giant is focused on redefining how boxing fans access major fights through a new subscription model called The Ring Pass, developed in partnership with Saudi boxing powerbroker Turki Alalshikh.

“The traditional pay-per-view structure is limiting the sport’s reach and is no longer desirable for fans,” Segev said. “That’s why, in close alignment with [Alalshikh], we’ve made the decision to introduce The Ring Pass. It will reflect our long-term vision, building a sustainable, fan-centric ecosystem for boxing that rewards loyalty and delivers unforgettable experiences.”

The Ring Pass aims to consolidate premium boxing content under a single subscription, effectively phasing out the need for individual pay-per-view purchases. The move follows Alalshikh’s recent announcement that, beginning November 22, none of his Ring Magazine or Riyadh Season events will sit behind an additional paywall on DAZN. While the new service won’t come cheap, it is designed to ease fan frustration over rising event costs.

Segev also acknowledged how the industry has changed since DAZN’s launch, with major broadcasters like HBO and Showtime exiting the sport, and Top Rank’s long-term partnership with ESPN coming to an end. “The move away from fragmented, region-specific deals opens the door for a more unified, global approach – and that’s exactly what DAZN offers,” he said. The platform’s ability to host both Eddie Hearn and Frank Warren promotions on one service underscores its growing role in consolidating boxing’s landscape.

However, DAZN is no longer the only major player. The recent arrival of Netflix in boxing has shaken up the market. Segev, though, views the competition as healthy. “Netflix entering the boxing space is a sign of the sport’s growing global appeal and commercial potential,” he said. “We welcome it. At DAZN, our focus remains on delivering the most comprehensive and fan-centric boxing experience.”

Whether The Ring Pass becomes the model that finally bridges the gap between pay-per-view and subscription-based access will determine how the sport reaches its global audience in the years ahead.