The Professional Fighters League and ESPN announced this Tuesday that both sides decided to sign a new, multi-year broadcast deal.
The aforementioned deal includes expanded coverage of the upcoming 2022 season in its entirety with the addition of exclusive content on ESPN+. Seven events will be featured on ESPN with a simulcast on ESPN+ with an additional broadcast on ESPN 2.
The pre- and post-event coverage and exclusive PFL content will be offered to fans, with the Regular Season beginning on April 20 and more specific details on scheduling and programming are to be announced in the coming weeks.
PFL CEO Peter Murray said this about the agreement:
After two successful years of providing fans with premium MMA content alongside ESPN, PFL is proud to extend and expand our agreement. As MMA continues to evolve as a sport and rights property, our differentiated product and unique approach will help shape its path forward and in 2022 fans can expect more events, matchups between the world’s best fighters, and innovative content than ever before.
ESPN Vice President of Programming and Acquisitions, Matt Kenny said:
As the home of combat sports, ESPN looks forward to continuing to deliver exciting, live PFL events and powerful storytelling to fans, across all platforms.
ESPN joined forces with PFL for the second time during its breakthrough 2021 season, broadcasting all 10 events of the regular season, the playoffs, and the final in October. On the night of the PFL World championship, six fighters earn world championships and $6 million in prize money. The event also featured a live performance from global hip hop icon and PFL partner, Wiz Khalifa.
ESPN+ also aired an exclusive all-access four-part series focused on Claressa Shields, as the two-time Olympic gold medalist and world champion in boxing made her PFL debut in June.
Featured Image courtesy of PFL MMA
