Broadcasting and Cable reports that Showtime sports head Ken Hershman is leaving to take the vacant HBO Sports opening. Hershman will become the president of HBO Sports replacing Ross Greenburg.
Hershman will start his new position in January 2012.
What does this mean for the future of MMA on Showtime? Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker stated that he has talked to Showtime officials and the network wants to continue with MMA programming according to a report from MMA Junkie.
Via MMA Junkie:
Coker said the much of the same executive staff will oversee the remaining events Strikeforce owes to Showtime, which comprise three major events and three of the promotion’s Challenger series through February 2012.
Coker said it was possible that should Showtime renew, a revised TV deal could see fewer Strikeforce events on the channel.
Showtime has not named a replacement for Hershman.
Payout Perspective:
Does Hershman’s departure mean that Strikeforce is closer to extinction? Or, will Hershman’s departure mean Strikeforce gets a stay of execution? Earlier this week, MMA Payout made a compelling argument that Zuffa had muted any chance for Strikeforce success. Hershman did bring MMA to Showtime but Dana White has not been a fan of Hershman. If Showtime would like to continue programming MMA, Hershman’s replacement must have the same interest in the sport and see it through. If White decides to dissolve Strikeforce, it will be interesting to see if Showtime will continue to pursue MMA programming.
I didn’t care for him. I’ll never forget when he said he defied anyone who denied that Showtime’s production was the best in the MMA business. That tickled me.
In fact…
http://mmapayout.com/2010/06/hershman-on-showtime-production/
“Coker said it was possible that should Showtime renew, a revised TV deal could see fewer Strikeforce events on the channel.”
That makes sense. Why pay Strikeforce a ton of money for putrid ratings. Kudos to Spike for not forking over tens of millions for low-rated UFC events as well.