Bellator announced an expansion of its product in multiple countries according to a press release from Electus International.
The multimedia entertainment company Electus International secured deals in Australia (Spike), Japan (AbemaTV), Russia (Match), China(LeEco), Africa (MBC), South Korea (KBSN), Benelux (Spike) and Bulgaria (bTV).
Via press release:
“Bellator continues to enjoy explosive growth overseas where we are now in over 140 countries and have entered into numerous foreign event partnerships,” said Eddie Dalva, Executive Vice President, Content and Program Enterprises, Viacom Music and Entertainment and Bellator MMA.
Payout Perspective:
In my opinion, the key countries to the deal are Japan and China where there are possibilities with drawing the most consumers to its product. Notably, LeEco in China is ramping up its activities in North America and the rights to Bellator falls in line with its strategy. The deal probably includes streaming deals which would appeal to the younger demo. The overseas broadcast expansion is good news for Bellator assuming that these networks that will air Bellator have a broad audience and availability.
Russia co-promote with Fedor or M1 or EFN and run a show in Russia under the Bellator banner.
They just released David Jansen, who has two decision loses one to the champ and the other to Marvin Heid, they did the same with Volkoff at heavyweight, what they been is more depth.
I know they won’t do it but I would look to buy WSOF if it wasn’t too expensive and get rid of Bellator Kickboxing. And add more MMA shows, the only problem with that is WSOF have a few ex UFC fighters who are considered boring and Coker hasn’t shown much interest in fighters like that but Shields is top 10, Fitch probably top 15.
Russia, China and Benelux at least have been going on for a while already.