Top Rank And DAZN Secure Major Deal

In a major development for professional boxing, Top Rank, the storied promotional company founded by Hall of Famer Bob Arum, has officially signed a multi-year media rights agreement with DAZN, the global streaming platform often called the “global home of boxing.” The deal was announced on March 18, 2026, following weeks of speculation and reports, marking the end of a transitional period for Top Rank after its long-standing partnership with ESPN expired in mid-2025.

Background and Context

Top Rank’s previous eight-year deal with ESPN, which provided significant exposure and reportedly around $85 million annually, came to a close in July 2025. This left the promoter without a primary broadcast partner for several months, creating uncertainty about fight scheduling and fighter visibility for stars in its stable. During this “free agency” phase—one of the most notable in modern boxing—Top Rank explored options to secure consistent streaming and global reach.

DAZN, which has aggressively built its boxing portfolio through partnerships like its long-term agreement with Matchroom Boxing (extended through 2031), positioned itself as the ideal landing spot. The platform already hosts a wide array of major fights and has been expanding its live event offerings worldwide.

Key Details of the Agreement

Announced via a press conference in New York, the partnership brings Top Rank’s full roster and fight schedule to DAZN on a global basis. Highlights include:

• Live Events: DAZN will stream Top Rank-promoted cards, with reports indicating 8 to 10 events per year. This provides a steady pipeline of high-quality boxing content.

• Historic Archive Access: Subscribers gain access to Top Rank’s extensive fight library spanning six decades. This treasure trove features legendary bouts and fighters such as Muhammad Ali, Sugar Ray Leonard, Marvin Hagler, Oscar De La Hoya, Floyd Mayweather, and Manny Pacquiao—adding tremendous archival value for fans.

• Roster Spotlight: The deal showcases Top Rank’s current talent, including rising stars and champions like Keyshawn Davis, Xander Zayas, Abdullah Mason, Emanuel Navarrete, Raymond Muratalla, O’Shaquie Foster, Bruce “Shu Shu” Carrington, and prospects such as Emiliano Vargas (named The Ring’s Prospect of the Year for 2025).

Financial terms were not officially disclosed by the parties, but industry reports suggest license fees in the range of $1 million to $1.25 million per event—a notable step down from the ESPN deal but aligned with streaming economics and DAZN’s strategy of building a comprehensive boxing hub rather than relying on mega-rights fees.

The agreement is described as non-exclusive in some coverage, potentially allowing Top Rank flexibility for additional broadcasts or partnerships (e.g., ongoing talks with networks like ESPN for select events).

Statements from Key Figures

• DAZN CEO Shay Segev emphasized the global appeal: “Boxing belongs on the global stage, and this landmark partnership with Top Rank brings one of the sport’s most iconic promoters and legacies to DAZN – the global home of boxing.”

• Top Rank President Todd duBoef noted the deal was about a year in the making, highlighting the synergy between the two brands for delivering “unrivaled fight nights.”