Multiple Media Partners on the Horizon

A looming deadline for Top Rank Boxing and ESPN to finalize their agreement has sent shockwaves throughout the boxing world, but the promotion is unfazed. Following the expiration of their current deal in August, Top Rank CEO Bob Arum is keen on forging partnerships with multiple media companies. As per Adam Stern, a sports journalist for Sports Business Journal, Top Rank is aiming to “not rely on one outlet but have, like in other sports, various outlets take [the] product.” This approach echoes the strategies employed by other prominent sports organizations, which have diversified their broadcasting networks to cater to a broader audience.

DAZN as a Potential Contender

Sports streaming platform DAZN is one of the likely contenders to take some of Top Rank’s inventory. Having become increasingly involved in combat sports in recent years, DAZN has established itself as a significant player in the market. Its extensive reach and innovative approach to broadcasting have made it an attractive option for Top Rank.

Arum’s Optimism

Top Rank CEO Bob Arum, now 93 years old, has been organizing boxing matches for nearly 60 years. Despite the uncertainty surrounding their future with ESPN, Arum remains optimistic about the prospect of new partnerships. In an interview, he stated, “Boxing is really a giant in hiding in plain sight.” He attributed this to the fact that there are numerous outlets available for consumers to access the sport, including various streaming services, over-the-air networks, and YouTube. Arum emphasized that boxing’s demand is substantial, with costs relatively low compared to other sports. “The reason for that is because there’s so many different outlets for people, different streaming services that are still over the air, there’s other ways like YouTube to reach consumers, so there is a tremendous demand for product,” he explained. “Now, when you look at the cost of boxing, it is relatively low compared to other sports.”

Comparison to UFC

Per Adam Stern, it is unclear exactly what monetary value Top Rank is placing on its rights. However, it is likely that many media companies would view this as a bargain compared to the costs associated with acquiring UFC rights.

Potential Deal Packages

Top Rank has aired a substantial amount of content across ESPN’s linear networks and ESPN+. The current agreement has seen ESPN airing 54 events annually for the promotion. This substantial inventory could be easily split into multiple packages, as suggested by Arum. No Timetable for New Deals
No timeline has been reported regarding the completion of new deals or their announcement.

Boxing’s Hiding in Plain Sight

According to Stern, the boxing industry has been underutilized despite its potential. Arum’s assertion that boxing is a “giant in hiding in plain sight” reflects this sentiment. The fact that there are numerous outlets available for consumers to access the sport suggests that there is a substantial demand for boxing content.

Why Boxing Remains Attractive

Despite the uncertainty surrounding Top Rank’s future, the sport of boxing continues to hold significant appeal. Boxing’s relatively low costs compared to other sports make it an attractive option for media companies. As Stern noted, “The cost of boxing is relatively low compared to other sports.”

A New Era for Boxing

The current agreement with ESPN is set to expire in August, and the future of Top Rank Boxing hangs in the balance. However, with multiple media partners on the horizon and a strong demand for boxing content, the sport is poised for a new era of growth and exposure.

Conclusion

The future of Top Rank Boxing is uncertain, but the promotion remains optimistic about the prospect of new partnerships. As the boxing industry continues to grow, it is clear that the sport is poised for a new era of exposure and growth. With multiple media partners on the horizon, the stage is set for Top Rank to thrive in the coming months and years.