Glory has announced a multi-year agreement with ESPN. According to the Glory press release, the live events will stream on ESPN3 with replays occurring on ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes.
Per Glory press release:
Since the relationship began in November of last year, GLORY and ESPN have collaborated in showcasing two non-stop, stand-up striking events — GLORY 25 Milan and GLORY 26 Amsterdam — live on ESPN3, each replayed in prime time on ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes.
To kick off the landmark multi-year agreement, GLORY 27 Chicago streams live once again on ESPN3, tonight at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT, with a replay on ESPN2 Sunday, Feb. 28 at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT and ESPN Deportes Monday, March 7 at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT.
“Working with the team at ESPN has been an absolute pleasure,” said GLORY CEO Jon J. Franklin. “We’re two, after tonight three, events into this relationship and excited that GLORY is part of ESPN’s sports portfolio. There’s no better television home in the United States for the GLORY numbered series.”
As the programming schedule unfolds, future GLORY events will be telecast live on ESPN2 in addition to ESPN3.
“This agreement allows us to continue serving this passionate fan base,” said Matthew Volk, Director, ESPN Programming and Acquisitions. “We look forward to continuing our relationship with GLORY to provide their content throughout the U.S.”
GLORY has secured deals with broadcast networks in over 200 countries to distribute its unparalleled library of kickboxing programming worldwide.
Payout Perspective:
After its relationship with SpikeTV ended, Glory looked for a permanent home. It had a relationship with ESPN on a per event basis and looks like that both sides are willing to make it more long-term. In addition, UFC Fight Pass has secured the rights to Glory Super Fight Series as well as Friday’s event also streamed via the digital network.
Glory on espn and Bellator kickboxing, mma is growing.
Hahaha…kick boxing has 2 shows good for kick boxing!..of all elements /aspect of MMA which sport stands alone and make money ? . Hahahahaha
E Tops, kickboxing isnt mma….I dont understand your statement
For some reason mma fans think everything counts for mma except boxing.
I think alot of “mma only” fans wish that boxing would go away so more people would watch mma only, which is ironic to me. I dont think anyone here is an mma competing fighter in a major promotion so why would it matter? Kickboxing seems to have never caught on as a major or minor sport in the USA as it has for let us say the Netherlands, or of course Muay Thai Boxing in Thailand but it is good to see that it is getting some exposure on networks.