The streaming service Dazn has been available in Germany since August 2016.Image: dpa / Ina Fassbender
Bundesliga
The streaming service Dazn started in 2016. At that time, sports fans could still watch the live program for 9.99 euros a month. The price has been adjusted repeatedly over the years. The big outcry came a year ago when Dazn initially only doubled the prices for new customers, and in the summer also for existing customers.
That’s why the Federal Association of Consumer Advice Centers (vzbz) is now getting involved and wants to take action against the price increase of the past year with a model declaratory action. The federal association does not consider the underlying clause of the general terms and conditions to be transparent. For the vzbz, the price increase in summer 2022 for existing customers is therefore illegal. The association is now looking for affected Dazn customers for whom it can sue.
Dazn responds to allegations
Dazn responded to these allegations in relation to “Bild”. The Internet broadcaster announced that it “took the points raised very seriously” and had sought advice from a law firm. In conclusion, the broadcaster said: “Dazn is still convinced that its terms and conditions are in line with applicable law.”
In addition, Dazn came under criticism again only a short time later. The streaming service increased the prices for new customers again before the start of the second half of the season in the Bundesliga and also introduced a new package program.
If fans now want to see the entire Dazn program – including two parallel streams on a total of six possible devices – they have to pay EUR 39.99 per month. The special price of 29.99 euros per month is only available for the annual subscription. Customers receive a slightly slimmed-down program from EUR 29.99 with monthly payment and EUR 24.99 with annual payment.
Dazn price increase causes heavy criticism
The renewed price increase has caused heavy criticism of the streaming service, especially on social media. A Twitter user complained that Dazn subscriptions had “increased by 400% in just under three and a half years”. At the same time, the offer has not improved noticeably.
Another user is disappointed with Dazn. Accordingly, it was only a dream that “expertise prevailed against big names”. At the same time, he recalls the broadcaster’s early days, when “simple commentary booths with a room-sharing atmosphere were exchanged for sterile, high-gloss studios” and “a horde of students for Lothar Matthäus”. Finally, the critic says that he has now woken up from the dream.
Another user notes that it will soon be cheaper to fly directly to the games in Spain or Italy and watch the games in the stadium than to pay for Dazn.
A Twitter account establishes the temporal connection between the announced lawsuit by consumer protection and the new increase. He writes: “Consumer protection is suing Dazn for doubling it to 30 euros. Dazn: Ok, then just 40 euros.” Afterwards he also makes fun of Cologne professional Davie Selke and adds: “They (Dazn, ed.) are broke before Selke has scored 5 goals.”
FC Bayern return to Germany from the training camp in Doha on Thursday. The restart in the Bundesliga against RB Leipzig is coming up soon. But there is still a big question mark at the Munich club – the goalkeeper problem is still unresolved: Who will be his successor after Manuel Neuer’s injury and absence? One thing is clear: time is of the essence – and there are several options.
