IMG and World Series of Fighting Renew Partnership
IMG AND WORLD SERIES OF FIGHTING RENEW MEDIA RIGHTS DISTRIBUTION PARTNERSHIP
in over 70 countries and territories internationally since 2013
LAS VEGAS (October 21, 2015) – IMG, a global leader in sport, fashion and media, and world championship Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) sports franchise World Series of Fighting, have renewed their international media rights distribution agreement, it was announced today.
“IMG has been a tremendous partner for our growing MMA sports franchise, so we are thrilled to continue our relationship that has helped expand World Series of Fighting’s footprint on television all over the globe,” said World Series of Fighting CEO Carlos Silva.
Hillary Mandel, SVP, Head of Media North America for IMG said, “We are delighted to be extending our relationship with World Series of Fighting, and help them continue to grow their worldwide audience. The events have proven to be extremely popular with fight fans and viewers all over the globe, and we are looking forward to continuing to expand the reach and awareness.”
Since the two companies initially struck a deal in 2013, IMG has effectively placed World Series of Fighting programming in over 70 countries and territories around the world, including Australia, Brazil, Germany, Japan, Peru and Russia. The U.S. rights are held by NBC and NBCSN.
In June, combat sports television channel, Fight Network, signed on to distribute World Series of Fighting events in Canada as well as in over 30 countries in Europe, Africa and The Middle East.
World Series of Fighting boasts a stellar, fast-growing roster of both elite level MMA talent, including renowned superstars Jake Shields, Jon Fitch, Yushin “Thunder” Okami, David Branch and Tyrone “King of the Ring” Spong, as well as a collection of home grown world champions and rising stars, such as undefeated Justin “The Highlight” Gaethje, Lance Palmer, Marlon Moraes and Timur Valiev.
Live World Series of Fighting action returns to NBCSN from Phoenix, Ariz. on Friday, Nov. 20 at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT when, for the first time in its three-year history, the company will roll out a one-night, eight-man elimination tournament in its lightweight (155 pounds) division. The winner, who will have fought three times that night, will be named the number one contender and next challenger for Gaethje’s lightweight crown.
