The End of an Era? Combat Sports Rethink Pay-Per-view

A seismic shift is underway in the world of combat sports, challenging the long-held reliance on pay-per-view (PPV) revenue.New broadcast agreements and substantial investment are forcing a re-evaluation of how fans access premier boxing and mixed martial arts (MMA) events, possibly signaling the decline of a decades-old model.

the Historical Reliance on Pay-Per-View

Pay-per-view has been integral to combat sports for generations. Boxing pioneered the model in the 1960s with closed-circuit broadcasts of iconic fights, like the legendary “Thrilla in Manila” between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier, reaching an estimated 100 million viewers. The 1980s saw the transition to home television PPV, becoming the standard for major boxing matches.

Events like the 2015 showdown between Floyd Mayweather jr. and Manny Pacquiao, which generated $410 million from 4.6 million buys in the United States,demonstrated the revenue potential of this system. In the UK, Sky Sports consistently broke PPV records, peaking with approximately 1.54 million buys for the 2019 rematch between Anthony joshua and Andy Ruiz Jr. The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) also heavily utilized PPV,with UFC 229 in 2018 attracting 2.4 million buys-a figure surpassed by only three professional boxing events, including Mayweather vs. McGregor in 2017.

New Deals, New Dynamics

The landscape is changing rapidly. Paramount Global recently secured a seven-year broadcast deal with the UFC, valued at $1.1 billion annually starting in 2026. A key component of this agreement involves streaming all 13 numbered UFC events and 30 Fight Night cards on Paramount+,essentially eliminating PPV for the promotion’s biggest market. Industry analyst patrick Crakes notes that the UFC’s decision reflects the declining returns of PPV in recent years and the availability of option distribution models.

In boxing, Saudi arabia, spearheaded by Turki Alalshikh, chairman of the General Entertainment Authority, is injecting critically important capital into the sport. this investment has enabled larger events but also triggered a shift away from PPV. Fights organized by Riyadh Season and The Ring, now owned by Alalshikh, will no longer be behind a paywall. This move is further reinforced by Paramount’s acquisition of broadcast rights for zuffa Boxing, a new venture backed by Saudi Arabia, mirroring the format of Dana White’s Contender Series. Netflix’s recent free-to-subscriber stream of the Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford super-fight, reaching over 300 million viewers, further exemplifies this trend.

Is Pay-Per-View Truly Dying?

DAZN previously attempted to abolish PPV in 2018, but economic realities forced a reversal. However, the current situation feels different, largely due to Saudi arabia’s substantial influence and Alalshikh’s commitment to dismantling the PPV model. This could create significant pressure on promoters and broadcasters to abandon the current format or risk being left behind.

Ben Shalom, chief executive of Boxxer, believes PPV can still be viable for “cultural event” fights but shouldn’t be the default. He stresses the need for a diverse revenue ecosystem that includes broadcast rights, sponsorships, and digital monetization. Boxxer recently secured a new broadcasting deal with the BBC, returning boxing to public service television after a 20-year absence. Meanwhile,ESPN has reduced its involvement with combat sports,pivoting its focus towards other major leagues like the NFL and NBA.

Did You Know? Saudi Arabia’s investment in boxing is not solely about profitability; it’s about enhancing the nation’s global image and establishing it as a major sports hub.

the Future of Combat Sports Broadcasting

the evolving dynamics of combat sports broadcasting suggest a move towards greater accessibility and broader distribution. Streaming services, free-to-air television, and innovative subscription models are likely to play a more prominent role. The Professional Fighters League (PFL), after acquiring Bellator, continues to explore different models, including PPV for select events, while ONE Championship utilizes a hybrid approach. The key will be adapting to changing consumer preferences and maximizing revenue streams beyond traditional PPV.

Pro Tip: For boxing fans,keeping an eye on turki Alalshikh’s initiatives and DAZN’s new ‘The ring Pass’ will be crucial to understanding where and how to access major fights in the coming years.

Frequently Asked Questions

what do you think? Will the shift away from pay-per-view ultimately benefit fans and the sports themselves, or will it diminish the prestige of major events? Share your thoughts in the comments below!