Anthony Joshua

boxing and MMA Broadcasting undergo Seismic Shift as PPV​ Era wanes

London, UK – September 26, 2024 ‍ – The traditional pay-per-view (PPV) model​ for combat sports is rapidly⁤ losing ground as ⁣streaming services, free-to-air ⁢broadcasters, and meaningful investment from Saudi arabia reshape the landscape of ⁤boxing and mixed martial arts (MMA) ‌broadcasting. A new hybrid ‌approach, prioritizing wider accessibility and flexible platform strategies, is emerging, signaling a potential end to⁢ the era of ​costly, single-event purchases.

For‍ decades, PPV has ⁣been ⁣a cornerstone of revenue generation for ⁣major boxing and MMA events. However,increasing subscription fatigue among‌ consumers and the rise of option viewing options are ⁤driving change. The UFC, long a PPV stronghold, has‍ already begun to shift ​its strategy, while boxing‍ is experiencing a particularly⁢ dramatic transformation fueled ‍by Saudi ⁣Arabia’s enterprising‌ entry into the sport.

Turki Alalshikh, chairman of ‌Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment authority, has quickly ⁢become a dominant ⁣force ‌in⁣ boxing, ⁣backing high-profile fights and establishing new partnerships. DAZN, the streaming service, has become a key broadcaster for⁣ saudi ⁢Arabia’s boxing ventures, ⁣but is moving away from offering thes events at no​ additional cost. The company is launching ‘The Ring Pass’,a global monthly add-on subscription backed‍ by Riyadh Season and The Ring ‍magazine. Alalshikh has framed this as a “win-win” for all parties, asserting​ fans will pay “far less than they have in the past” to watch major ‍fights.

This shift reflects‌ a broader trend in combat ​sports⁣ broadcasting. “Streaming and ⁣free-to-air‌ are playing a bigger role in​ building audiences, while PPV is becoming more selective,” says Ben Shalom, founder‍ of Boxxer, a British boxing promotion.‌ “We believe the future ⁣is hybrid. It depends on ‍platform strategy.‍ With the amount of competing platforms with their various ‍commercial ⁢models,this means boxing has to be flexible and cater to⁢ those opportunities.”

Shalom anticipates increased mainstream exposure through broadcasters like ⁣the BBC and a growing role for digital and direct-to-consumer platforms. “Our partnership with⁢ the ‌BBC ​will show how boxing has a lot⁢ of⁣ room to grow when it’s opened⁢ up to the widest possible audience.”‍

The⁣ evolving economics of⁢ combat sports broadcasting are forcing promoters and broadcasters to adapt, ‍prioritizing accessibility and diverse​ commercial models ⁢to ⁣capture a wider audience and secure long-term growth.‍ The traditional PPV model, once considered essential, is increasingly viewed as a⁤ restrictive barrier to entry ‍in a rapidly changing media landscape.