DAZN & AFL Gather Round: An Interview With Kayo Sports' Julian Ogrin

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Post on Apr 12, 2025

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DAZN's AFL Gather Round Challenge: Kayo Sports' Julian Ogrin Weighs In

The AFL Gather Round descended upon Adelaide, delivering a whirlwind of footy action and a significant test for streaming services. DAZN, the newcomer to the Australian sports streaming scene, faced its first major hurdle broadcasting the entire event. But how did they fare? We spoke exclusively with Julian Ogrin, Head of Sports at Kayo Sports, to gain an insightful perspective on DAZN's performance and the broader implications for the Australian sports streaming landscape.

The DAZN Debut: A Mixed Bag?

DAZN's ambitious foray into the Australian market with the AFL Gather Round was met with a mixture of anticipation and apprehension. Securing the rights to broadcast all 9 games across a single weekend was a bold move, putting their infrastructure and streaming capabilities to the ultimate test. While initial reports were positive for many users, others experienced technical difficulties, highlighting the challenges of scaling a streaming platform to handle such high demand.

Ogrin, whose Kayo Sports boasts years of experience in delivering high-quality sports streaming in Australia, offered a nuanced view: "It's a massive undertaking to handle an event like the Gather Round. The sheer volume of concurrent streams puts immense pressure on any platform, and you're bound to see some teething problems. The important thing is how DAZN responds and addresses those issues."

Kayo's Experience and the Future of Streaming

Kayo Sports, a well-established player in the Australian market, has faced similar challenges in the past. Their experience provides valuable insight into navigating the complexities of large-scale sports streaming events. Ogrin emphasized the importance of robust infrastructure, proactive customer support, and continuous improvement: "At Kayo, we've learned that investing in your technology and building a strong team are crucial. You need a platform that can handle unexpected spikes in traffic, and a customer service team ready to assist users facing problems."

He also touched upon the increasing competition in the Australian sports streaming market: "The arrival of DAZN is definitely shaking things up. It's good for consumers, ultimately leading to more choice and possibly better deals. But it also means that every platform needs to be at the top of its game to stay competitive."

Key Takeaways and Future Outlook

• DAZN's Gather Round performance: A mixed bag, with positive user experiences alongside reported technical issues.
• Infrastructure is key: The ability to handle high traffic during peak demand is crucial for any successful streaming service.
• Customer service is paramount: Proactive and effective customer support is essential in addressing technical issues and maintaining user satisfaction.
• Increased competition benefits consumers: The entrance of DAZN into the market fuels innovation and creates a more dynamic environment for Australian sports fans.

The AFL Gather Round served as a significant test for DAZN. While they faced challenges, their response and subsequent improvements will be crucial in determining their long-term success in the competitive Australian sports streaming market. Ogrin's insights highlight the importance of robust infrastructure, reliable customer service, and a commitment to continuous improvement for any streaming platform aiming to thrive in this increasingly dynamic landscape. The coming months will be key to seeing how DAZN learns from this experience and cements its position in the Australian sporting arena.