Warner Bros.' Discovery streaming service, Max, is leaning further into live sports by acquiring the U.S. rights to mixed martial arts organization Bellator.
Bellator kicks off March 22 in Belfast, with eight events scheduled this year in Paris, Dublin, London, Chicago and San Diego. TNT Sports will also air Bellator content on its new TruTV Sports programming block.
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Paramount sold Bellator to Saudi-backed PFL last year in a deal estimated at about $500 million. PFL subsequently signed a multi-year rights agreement with ESPN, but the Bellator brand is separate from the PFL brand.
“We are excited to partner with the Professional Fighters League to bring new live sports to Warner Bros.’ Discovery content portfolio in the U.S.,” said Josh Walker, Chief Financial Strategy Officer, Warner Bros. Discovery Streaming. . “The addition of the Bellator Champions Series provides viewers with a much-anticipated opportunity to experience mixed martial arts and complements our strong lineup of must-see programming.”
“Following the historic acquisition of Bellator, the Professional Fighters League is proud to partner with Warner Bros.” “We're bringing the Champions Series to fans across the U.S. streaming exclusively on Max,” launching March 22,” added PFL CEO Peter Murray. “Viewers can watch Bellator’s new home on Max as eight Bellator Champions Series events take place in 2024 in iconic cities around the world, featuring world title fights and some of the biggest stars in mixed martial arts. We're looking forward to seeing the incredible demand for premium MMA content from major media platforms throughout the year, which continues in PFL's ambition to bring the best of the sport to a global audience. This is the latest milestone.”
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