PFL re-signs with ESPN
PFL Announces New Multi-Year Media Rights Deal With ESPN
The rich get richer as the PFL re-signs with ESPN. Maybe 12oz Sports can snag a deal in the future! ESPN has announced that they have renewed their multi-year deal with the Professional Fighters League. As part of the deal, the network will include distribution on both ESPN and ESPN+. The confirmation of the deal was made on Thursday, November 30th by both parties involved.
PFL on Twitter: “PFL 🤝 @espn ESPN will be the home of the Professional Fighters League 🏆💰 pic.twitter.com/s9BVv0l3PT / Twitter”
PFL 🤝 @espn ESPN will be the home of the Professional Fighters League 🏆💰 pic.twitter.com/s9BVv0l3PT
ESPN has agreed to broadcast the PFL’s Super Fight series. The deal includes the anticipated MMA debut of Jake Paul and Francis Ngannou. Despite the absence of concrete dates or opponents for the two stars, the events are expected to attract a significant audience due to their fame and popularity.
PFL recently acquired Bellator and announced a February event that will feature champions from both promotions competing against each other. Additionally, if and when it is finalized, the highly anticipated match between Cris Cyborg and Kayla Harrison will likely be scheduled for one of ESPN’s upcoming PPV events.
Extended Coverage part of the deal
ESPN will cover the entire PFL season concept with extended coverage of events leading up to the championship night. Six fighters were crowned the year’s champion in their respective weight classes and earned $1 million each for their hard work, marking the end of the 2023 campaign on November 24. The format of PFL, which drew multiple fighters including Derek Brunson, former UFC and current PFL star, was in its fifth season during the 2023 campaign.
With Bellator’s roster being added into the mix, the 2024 and future seasons will be even more intriguing. The PFL will continue to expand its other brands, including PFL MENA, PFL Europe, and the PFL Challenger Series. The league will also feature PFL Super Fights, traditional sports season format, and Bellator events.
CEO Statement
“We’ve had five successful seasons on ESPN and we’re excited for the next phase of growth for MMA and the Professional Fighters League with this agreement,” PFL CEO Peter Murray said in a statement to ESPN. “Our innovative sport-season format, an elite roster of athletes, and the launch of the PFL PPV Super Fight Division are ushering in the new era of MMA as a mainstream global sports entertainment platform.”
PFL has made some major strides in the past year. This has allowed the promotion to establish itself as a strong contender in the global mixed martial arts scene. As a result, PFL has positioned itself as the second-largest MMA organization in the world and may be the only other major player besides the UFC.
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