Overview
In an exciting development for university sports, ViewLift, a subsidiary of DAZN, has teamed up with the International University Sports Federation (FISU) to initiate a comprehensive digital transformation in the realm of collegiate athletics. This collaboration is set to roll out ahead of the upcoming Universiade Games in 2027, aiming to provide a seamless, enriched experience for student-athletes and fans alike.
The Collaboration
The partnership between ViewLift and FISU marks a significant leap towards the digital enhancement of university sports. Working alongside Bornan Sports Technology — FISU's digital and data technology partner — the two organizations are set to integrate various services on a unified platform. This will include streaming capabilities, multimedia management powered by artificial intelligence, and a robust technological infrastructure catering to numerous events, all designed specifically for FISU's student-athletes and its global audience.
As part of this concerted effort, ViewLift plans to utilize its direct-to-consumer (DTC) streaming and content platform. This integration is expected to enrich the existing match management, timing, scoring, and results technology currently leveraged by Bornan, subsequently creating a more cohesive system that provides real-time event data and audiovisual production, improving the overall content delivery process immensely.
Project Timeline
The collaborative efforts initiated a phased launch period that began in June 2026, allowing for the testing of platform integrations across several FISU properties. As more features are developed, including enhanced streaming capabilities and automated content workflows, the new system will be implemented across a wider array of FISU competitions. The full launch of this all-in-one digital platform is scheduled for January 2027, ensuring that it will be operational in time for the Winter Universiade in Changchun, China.
Vision and Goals
According to Matthias Remund, Secretary General and CEO of FISU, the organization's vision is to provide student-athletes and fans with a digital experience that reflects the quality of the sports they are both passionate about and involved in. "This partnership enables us to achieve this vision, allowing us to connect with a global audience at the quality they expect from professional sports,” he stated. This collaboration also marks an essential step towards promoting college sports narratives as FISU ventures into a new chapter of its evolution.
Manik Bambha, President of ViewLift, echoed this sentiment by stating, "University sports have some of the most passionate supporters in the world, and they deserve a streaming experience to match that passion.” He further emphasized that the partnership with FISU, alongside Bornan, aims to elevate the international university sports movement while assisting this new generation of athletes in reaching a global audience.
Industry Impact and Future Prospects
The leaders from both organizations are poised to discuss their innovative collaboration further at the upcoming SPORTEL Monaco event. This special roundtable will provide insights into the alliance, shedding light on the platform’s capabilities and outlining the next steps in transforming the university sports fan experience.
About FISU
Since its inception in 1949, the International University Sports Federation has been leading the global university sports movement at every level through a variety of sporting events, educational initiatives, and wellness activities. FISU focuses on connecting students, bridging universities, and fostering cultural exchanges. With major events like the FISU World University Games and World University Championships, the organization encompasses over 60 different sports disciplines, providing numerous opportunities for student-athletes to excel both academically and athletically.
About ViewLift
As part of DAZN Group, ViewLift specializes in providing digital solutions for content holders. The company has proven expertise in live and on-demand video streaming. Utilizing proprietary cloud-based technology, ViewLift powers digital platforms for sports, media, and entertainment brands worldwide. From content management to cross-platform distribution, including flexible monetization models, ViewLift enhances viewer engagement and monetization. The company has a portfolio of notable clients, including the NHL, various professional sports teams, and numerous media companies.
For additional details about ViewLift, visit
www.viewlift.com.