ViewLift

ViewLift
TypeSubsidiary
IndustryStreaming media, OTT technology
Founded2008 (2008) (as SnagFilms)
FoundersTed Leonsis
Rick Allen
Headquarters
New York City, New York
,
United States
Key peopleRick Allen (CEO)
ProductsEnd-to-end video streaming platform
ParentDAZN Group (pending, 2026)
Websiteviewlift.com

ViewLift is an American streaming media technology company headquartered in New York City. The company provides an end-to-end over-the-top (OTT) platform.[1][2] ViewLift is primarily known for operating streaming services for NHL, NBA, and MLB.[2][3]

History

Origins as SnagFilms (2008–2014)

ViewLift traces its origins to SnagFilms, a streaming service for independent films founded in 2008 by Ted Leonsis and Rick Allen.[4][5] Early investors included Steve Case, Comcast Ventures, and Terry Semel.[1] SnagFilms also owned IndieWire, sold to Penske Media Corporation in January 2016.[1]

Pivot to ViewLift (2015–2020)

SnagFilms launched ViewLift in February 2015 as a B2B venture building streaming applications for third-party brands, compatible with over 20 device platforms at launch.[4] In 2016, the company raised $8 million for the ViewLift business and launched an Apple TV app; early customers included Tegna.[1] SnagFilms' consumer service was shut down in 2020, while ViewLift continued operating.[5]

Sports streaming expansion (2021–2025)

ViewLift expanded into sports streaming as regional sports networks declined. It built platforms for Monumental Sports & Entertainment's Washington Capitals, Washington Wizards, and Washington Mystics, and in August 2023 signed with the Vegas Golden Knights to launch a direct-to-consumer app serving roughly 3.2 million households.[5][6]

In November 2023, the NHL relaunched its team-app platform with ViewLift across Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, and Roku.[3][7][8] In 2024, the Florida Panthers selected ViewLift to build "Panthers Plus" with Scripps Sports.[9][10][11] In March 2025, ViewLift launched the ROOT Sports Stream app for Seattle Mariners games.[12] By 2026, clients included 15 pro sports teams and five regional sports networks, including NESN, Altitude Sports, and Monumental Sports Network, plus LIV Golf, NBCUniversal, and Tegna.[13][14]

Acquisition by DAZN (2026)

On April 30, 2026, DAZN Group announced an agreement to acquire ViewLift for a reported $100 million, expected to close in June 2026.[2][15] ViewLift would operate as a standalone unit within DAZN under its existing management.[16][13] The acquisition followed the collapse of Main Street Sports Group, which left roughly 20 NBA and NHL teams seeking local broadcast solutions.[17][18]

Platform

ViewLift's platform provides content management, app distribution, analytics, and supports advertising, subscription, and hybrid monetization models.[13][12] Applications distribute across web, mobile, and connected-TV devices.[3][4]

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 Spangler, Todd (April 7, 2016). "SnagFilms Raises $8 Million for ViewLift OTT Business, Launches Apple TV App". Variety. Retrieved July 14, 2026.
  2. 1 2 3 "DAZN Buys ViewLift for $100M In Latest Local Sports Streaming Shakeup". Sportico. April 30, 2026. Retrieved July 14, 2026.
  3. 1 2 3 Butts, Tom (November 29, 2023). "NHL Taps ViewLift to Upgrade NHL TV Apps". TV Tech. Retrieved July 14, 2026.
  4. 1 2 3 "SnagFilms Launches ViewLift, New B2B Venture". IndieWire. February 12, 2015. Retrieved July 14, 2026.
  5. 1 2 3 Frankel, Daniel (August 21, 2023). "Ted Leonsis-backed ViewLift to Take the Vegas Golden Knights -- and Probably Soon, Other NHL Teams -- Into Direct-to-Consumer Streaming". Next TV. Retrieved July 14, 2026.
  6. ↑ "Vegas Golden Knights enlists ViewLift for local game streams". SportsPro. August 2023. Retrieved July 14, 2026.
  7. ↑ "NHL TV Apps Get Midseason Refresh With ViewLift Deal". Sportico. November 29, 2023. Retrieved July 14, 2026.
  8. ↑ "The NHL Unveils Enhanced Smart-TV App in Partnership with ViewLift". Ministry of Sport. November 30, 2023. Retrieved July 14, 2026.
  9. ↑ "Florida Panthers Sign ViewLift as Local Streaming Partner". Sportico. August 13, 2024. Retrieved July 14, 2026.
  10. ↑ "Florida Panthers Launch In-Market Streaming App 'Panthers Plus'". Sports Video Group. September 26, 2024. Retrieved July 14, 2026.
  11. ↑ "Florida Panthers launch Panthers+". Advanced Television. September 24, 2024. Retrieved July 14, 2026.
  12. 1 2 Sharma, Ray (March 24, 2025). "ViewLift Expands Sports Streaming Portfolio with New ROOT SPORTS Stream App". The Fast Mode. Retrieved July 14, 2026.
  13. 1 2 3 "DAZN acquires streaming tech firm ViewLift to aid US expansion aims". Sportcal. GlobalData. May 1, 2026. Retrieved July 14, 2026.
  14. ↑ "DAZN Acquires ViewLift in Major US Sports Streaming Move". Barrett Media. April 30, 2026. Retrieved July 14, 2026.
  15. ↑ "DAZN targets local sports and US expansion with 'US$100m' ViewLift takeover". SportsPro. May 1, 2026. Retrieved July 14, 2026.
  16. ↑ "DAZN to acquire ViewLift in US expansion push". Broadband TV News. May 1, 2026. Retrieved July 14, 2026.
  17. ↑ Soloway, Manny (April 30, 2026). "DAZN's ViewLift move sets up high-stakes battle for local rights". Awful Announcing. Retrieved July 14, 2026.
  18. ↑ "DAZN Acquires ViewLift to Accelerate US Expansion and B2B Strategy". Ministry of Sport. May 1, 2026. Retrieved July 14, 2026.
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