PFL Extends Media Rights Deal With ESPN
The Professional Fighters League (PFL) has agreed to a multimedia rights extension with ESPN, according to AJ Perez of Front Office Sports.
The deal will continue the partnership between the two companies. The multiyear extension will see ESPN broadcast PFL events on its lineal channels and ESPN+. Furthermore, the PFL Super Fight Division will air on ESPN+ PPV.
The PFL’s media deal with ESPN will include the PFL Super Fight Division, PFL League Season, PFL Challenger Series and PFL International Leagues. The promotion’s newly acquired Bellator MMA will not air on ESPN and will be broadcast through a separate deal.
The media deal is highly beneficial to PFL’s growth. ESPN also hosts UFC events on its platforms. In turn, PFL is accessible to MMA fans who watch UFC through ESPN.
“We have had four successful seasons with ESPN with major audience growth — 30% year over year — and we will continue to grow,” PFL CEO Peter Murray told Front Office Sports, according to Perez. “ESPN, is a top-tier sports platform, both linear and obviously streaming. It really just illustrates that MMA is now mainstream. It’s a growth sport.”
The financial terms of the deal were not released.
This is a massive win for the PFL. ESPN is currently the leader in live mixed martial arts streaming. The deal will broadcast the PFL to a larger audience than other streaming services, which is exactly what the promotion needs as it looks to grow its audience.
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