International law firm Simmons & Simmons has advised UK-based Perform Group on securing rights to broadcast all league tournaments for Japan's top three soccer divisions. The 10 year deal (approximately USD2 billion) starts from the 2017 season and is the first time that all games from all leagues will be broadcast in Japan, available on Perform Group’s internet TV service, DAZN.

The J.League reports that the deal is the largest in Japanese sports history. The deal will see the J.League move away from traditional linear broadcasting, making all of its output available on a new sports streaming service, known as DAZN, to be launched by Perform later this year. This means all J.League games will be available in Japan anytime, anywhere on virtually any connected device; from smart TVs to PCs, tablets, smartphones and games consoles.

The increased broadcast revenue will go toward developing the league's marketing strategy to increase its presence throughout Asia and the world, and improving the internet service and immersive digital experience for fans in and around stadiums in the country.

Every game of the J.League including J1, J2 and J3 will be streamed live via DAZN, and made available on demand after the live broadcast. Through DAZN, live games will be accessible to fans, anytime, anywhere.

Commenting on the deal, corporate and commercial partner Richard Kramer said: "We are delighted to have assisted Perform Group in achieving this first of its kind agreement, which will allow viewers to watch sport across a range of digital devices. Advising on the largest deal in Japanese sports history clearly demonstrates our strength and expertise in the TMT sector."

DAZN Head of Legal Sam Moorhouse says: "This historic 10 year rights agreement is part of our overall strategy to bring Japanese consumers the very best sports content. Simmons & Simmons played an instrumental role, working seamlessly with us to help bring the J.League to DAZN fans from 2017. Their tireless effort as part of our team concluded in a strategic and innovative partnership that marks a new era for the Perform and the J.League which will evolve and grow the game, engaging a new generation of sports fans."

The team was led by corporate and commercial partner, Richard Kramer in the firm’s Tokyo office, supported by managing associate Aaron Patience, associate Nancy Lee and legal executive Kumiko Iida, and by partner Kiyoshi Takahashi of Socius Legal Services.