StarzPlay Live

StarzPlay is one of the leading live streaming platforms in the Middle East and North Africa region. It brings Hollywood movies, popular TV shows, and live sports together on one app. Millions of subscribers across the MENA region use this platform for entertainment. StarzPlay has grown into a major name in regional streaming since its launch.

The History of StarzPlay

StarzPlay traces its roots back to Starz, the American premium cable and satellite network. Starz first built its own streaming app for US subscribers in 2012. It later expanded this idea into international markets under the StarzPlay brand.

StarzPlay Arabia launched in the MENA region in 2014. It became the first subscription video-on-demand (SVOD) service of its kind in the region. The platform grew quickly by offering blockbuster movies and popular TV shows to Arabic-speaking audiences. In 2018, Starz expanded its international StarzPlay app, reaching more than 50 countries across Europe, Latin America, Canada, Japan, and India.

The platform also entered South Asia. In October 2018, StarzPlay launched in Pakistan through a joint venture with Cinepax. A month later, it partnered with SonyLIV in India to offer its content as a branded section called Lionsgate Play.

Over time, StarzPlay built strong partnerships with major studios like Warner Bros., Disney, Paramount, Sony, and Lionsgate. It also became the primary platform for Image Nation Studios, producing original shows made for regional viewers. In 2021, the company launched its first dedicated sports channel, marking a major shift toward live sports streaming. By August 2022, StarzPlay unveiled STARZPLAY Sports, a full standalone sports offering built to compete directly with regional pay-TV sports channels.

The company later added a free ad-supported platform called STARZ ON, launched through a partnership with evision (the media arm of e&). This service offers dozens of free channels along with sports and entertainment content across MENA and West Africa.

Today, StarzPlay operates under Lionsgate Studios and Starz Entertainment. In some regions, it is known as Starz, Starz On, or Lionsgate Play. The platform has surpassed 2.5 million subscribers and over 18 million app downloads in the MENA region alone.

Key Features of Starz Play:

• Content Variety: StarzPlay boasts a rich selection of content, including the latest Hollywood blockbusters, beloved TV shows, and original productions. It also features a robust catalog of regional Arabic titles and documentaries.

• Affordable Subscription Plans: StarzPlay offers flexible subscription options, with choices for monthly or yearly plans. It accommodates various payment methods, such as credit cards, mobile payments, and third-party systems like PayPal.

• Device Compatibility: The service is accessible on a wide range of devices, including smart TVs, smartphones (both iOS and Android), tablets, laptops, and gaming consoles. Additionally, the platform allows offline downloads, enabling users to enjoy content without an internet connection.

• Original Content: StarzPlay creates and streams original content, featuring exclusive series and films that can’t be found anywhere else. This lineup of originals sets it apart in the competitive streaming market.

• User Experience: StarzPlay provides a user-friendly interface with personalized recommendations, multiple language options, and parental controls to ensure a safe viewing environment for families.

Programs and Content on StarzPlay

StarzPlay offers a broad content library built for both Arabic and English-speaking viewers. Here is what subscribers can watch on the platform:

Hollywood Movies and TV Shows

The platform hosts a large catalog of blockbuster films and popular series. Shows like “Young Sheldon,” “Lost,” and “Prison Break” have been available to stream.

StarzPlay Originals

The platform produces its own original series through its partnership with Image Nation Studios. These shows are made specifically for regional audiences.

Turkish Dramas

StarzPlay carries popular Turkish content through partnerships with networks like MADD TV, TRT, and ATV. Turkish dramas hold strong appeal among MENA viewers.

Arabic and Regional Content

The platform also offers Arabic-language films and shows, giving local audiences content that matches their culture and language preferences.

Live Sports

Sports streaming forms a core part of StarzPlay’s offering. The platform provides live matches, replays, highlight packages, and expert analysis for major cricketing events.

STARZ ON: Free Channels

Through STARZ ON, viewers get access to around 50 free live and on-demand channels. This includes movies, dramas, and sports content available at no cost.

Broadcasting Rights Acquired by StarzPlay

StarzPlay has built one of the strongest sports portfolios among MENA streaming platforms. Here are the major broadcasting rights the platform holds:

Italian Serie A

StarzPlay holds exclusive broadcast rights for Italy’s Serie A football league across the MENA region. The platform renewed this deal for the 2025-26 through 2027-28 seasons in a three-year agreement worth around €28 million. Matches stream live with dual-language commentary in Arabic and English, alongside replays and highlights.

UFC

StarzPlay secured an exclusive multi-year deal for Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) rights across the Middle East and North Africa, giving mixed martial arts fans a dedicated home for live events.

Professional Fighters League (PFL)

The platform partnered with the PFL on a multi-year rights agreement. This deal covers the PFL World Tournament, Champions Series, PFL Europe, PFL MENA, and PFL Africa.

AFC Asian Cup

StarzPlay holds broadcasting rights for the AFC Asian Cup, bringing top Asian football competitions to its subscribers.

Cricket

The platform streams major cricket events, including tournaments like the T20 World Cup and the Indian Premier League (IPL), giving cricket fans in the region access to top matches.

Rugby StarzPlay has streamed the Rugby World Cup exclusively across the MENA region, expanding its portfolio beyond football and combat sports.

Other Sports

StarzPlay’s sports lineup also includes boxing, golf, basketball, and the Dutch Eredivisie football league.

Final Words

StarzPlay has changed how audiences across the Middle East and North Africa watch entertainment and sports. By combining Hollywood content, regional shows, and an expanding sports portfolio, the platform has positioned itself as a leading streaming choice in the region. Its partnerships with major studios and sports leagues continue to grow year after year.