MMA Junkie reports that the World Series of Fighting has secured new broadcast deals across Southeast Asia as well in part of Europe and Africa. IMG Media was behind the new deal which adds 15 territories for the company.
The deal puts WSOF on KIX which is a subscription based channel and Sport TV’s Kombat Sport channel. The deal includes Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand. According to the Junkie article, Kombat Sport is available in “French-speaking Europe as well as some African territories.”
Via MMA Junkie:
“The new deals in Asia and Europe will create an outstanding opportunity for the WSOF to significantly grow its international audience in regions in which it has otherwise lacked exposure,” IMG Media SVP, Head of Media North America Hillary Mandel stated. “We are delighted to have brokered these deals which will showcase the events and the talented fighters from Asia, to both the die-hard supporters and a new generation of mixed martial arts fan.
Payout Perspective:
It appears that retaining IMG in seeking out media rights deals has paid off. WSOF’s strategy of expanding internationally rather than focusing on its domestic product is an interesting move. While WSOF will be on network television, it does not seem like WSOF has established itself in North America. Obviously, with a subscription based channel, the question on how many subscribers and whether there would be a demand for WSOF are variables. It’s not clear how many subscribers receive Kombat Sports. We shall see how much more WSOF intends to expand.
Good for WSOF. They got the jump on Zuffa in that area of the world. Not too many people are fond of Dana’s style…
WSOF 21 June fights will also be available on the subscription based Dutch Sport1 channel (part of Liberty Global). That means you can add The Netherlands on the list of new countries.
WSOF doesn’t have the jump on anyone. They bring in no revenue and don’t have the fighters anyone would pay for. All their fighters want to go to UFC. How can you build around that? They are the new Affliction.
WSOF will be out of business in one or two years. Unless of course UFC owns it like is rumored.
BTW, people love Dana’s product. And that is all that matters.
Its true the UFC’s quality is far better then any of the other productions, but Bellator is a very close second. Quality productions and professional directors cost real money.