Boreham Wood FC owner Danny Hunter has demanded the National League terminate its broadcast deal with Dazn, blasting the streaming service for causing fixture chaos that hurts fans and clubs. The outburst, reported by City A.M., comes as the Wood sit top of the National League with 16 points from six games, three points clear of Harrogate Town. cityam.com first reported the story.
Hunter's anger focused on a last-minute change to the kick-off time for the club's home match against Carlisle United, moved from 3pm to III:30pm. He labelled the decision "a complete joke" and "utter nonsense," arguing it was made without consideration for supporters' travel plans or consultation with the club. This is the third season of Dazn's seven-year contract to show 290 National League games per season.
Why is the owner so angry about Dazn?
Danny Hunter believes the league's partnership with Dazn is fundamentally flawed. He stated that neither clubs, managers, players, nor supporters receive any extra payment for having their games televised, despite the disruption caused. "We are not performing seals, and none of us received one penny extra for having every one of our games televised," Hunter said. He alleged that late kick-offs are strategically set to drive streaming purchases from away fans, which in turn reduces home attendances.
Hunter attempted to raise these concerns with National League leadership last season but was told there was "no appetite amongst the board to meet me." He now accuses the board of treating clubs as "performing poodles" for Dazn, which he calls the "ringmasters."
What does this mean for Boreham Wood fans?
The immediate impact is on matchday logistics. Hunter highlighted the struggle for loyal away supporters, particularly from clubs like Carlisle and Southend, who face difficult journeys due to these schedule shifts. "It’s a complete joke that amazingly loyal fans..." he told City A.M.
For Boreham Wood's own followers, the issue is part of a broader pattern where fixture planning appears solely for broadcast convenience. Hunter questioned why the league scheduled a full programme of 7:45pm kick-offs last Friday without club consultation. The Wood's strong start, which includes scoring 16 goals and conceding 8, is a bright spot amid this off-field frustration. Fans can track the team's progress and upcoming matches on our standings and fixtures pages.
What action is the owner calling for?
Danny Hunter is urging a two-pronged response. First, he has called on supporters to boycott Dazn subscriptions, which cost £20 per month or £130 per year in the UK. He said he would encourage such a boycott if he were part of a supporters' group himself.
Second, he is pressing the National League board to end the media rights deal with Dazn through what he termed "respectful messaging." Hunter argues the league is "being held over a barrel" by the broadcaster while receiving "no real money" for the arrangement. The owner's very public stance sets up a direct confrontation with league officials as the season progresses.
The club's focus now returns to the pitch, where maintaining their league-leading form is the priority. The full squad will be tasked with continuing a run of five wins and one draw from their opening six fixtures.
